The gas explorer, through its subsidiary DeSoto Drilling, contracted Veristic in October last year to build at least seven of the company's 1500-horsepower Rocket rigs. No contract value was given for the newbuild units.
Privately held Veristic said in a statement that the first unit had landed in Arkansas and would get to work in the Fayetteville shale in mid-April.
The remaining six rigs - all of which will be built at Veristic's yard in Oklahoma City - will be delivered throughout the year, with the final one expected to be handed over in January 2015.
