Parker Drilling Co., Houston, has announced two new contracts with Swift Energy New Zealand Ltd. The first is a six-month term contract for land rig 246, which has been working for Swift on a well-to-well basis for the past two years. The rig has been mobilized and has already spudded another well.

The second is a one-well contract for land rig 252. The rig will drill one shallow well, and Swift has retained an option for a second well.

"We have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Swift Energy both internationally and in the U.S., and we're pleased to add another Parker rig to their drilling program," says Tom Wingerter, vice president of operations.