ConocoPhillips, Doyon prepare to test big Alaska drill rig

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – ConocoPhillips and Doyon Drilling Inc. are preparing to deploy a massive new oil rig on Alaska’s North Slope. The Alaska Journal of Commerce says Doyon’s Rig 26, known internally as “The Beast,” is being assembled in Deadhorse for testing and will be moved to a pad for drilling by April. Rig 26 will be able drill up to 37,000 feet, or more than 7 miles, from its pad. Current North Slope rigs about reach 22,000 feet. ConocoPhillips says it will be able to reach pockets of oil that previously would have required substantial new infrastructure.