High Arctic is expanding its presence in Papua New Guinea through a broader range of industrial services while preparing for the resumption of drilling activities later this year. This marks a new chapter for a company that has operated in the country for nearly two decades.
High Arctic's corporate roots date back to 1993 in Canada, while its PNG operations commenced in 2007. Since entering the market, the company has drilled, worked over, or abandoned more than 100 oil and gas wells and says it has grown to become a leading provider of remote worksite services in Papua New Guinea.
The company says it has recorded more than nine years and accumulated 4.7 million work hours without a recordable incident—a world-class level of performance.
Restructuring sharpens PNG focus
Historically, High Arctic's PNG operations have centred on two drilling rigs, one workover rig, and the operation of a client-owned drilling rig. In recent years, however, the company has diversified its business to include equipment rental, industrial equipment distribution, asset integrity and maintenance management, workforce training, and, most recently, fire services.
Following the Covid-19 pandemic, High Arctic implemented a business restructuring that led to the establishment of High Arctic Overseas Holding Corp. The move enabled the PNG business to operate independently from its former parent company, High Arctic Energy Services Inc.
The company remains publicly listed on the Canadian stock market (TSXV: HOH) and is managed from Brisbane, Australia. According to High Arctic, the restructuring was undertaken to reinforce its commitment to Papua New Guinea and support the ongoing development of the country's resource sector and national workforce.
The company said the cyclical nature of PNG's resources industry creates opportunities to apply transferable skills developed through frontier remote drilling operations to a wider range of sectors, including mining, civil construction, and commercial developments.
Equipment rental business expands
High Arctic has significantly expanded its rental equipment division, supplying equipment to customers across the mining, construction, and logistics sectors.
Its rental fleet includes cranes, telehandlers, loaders, four-wheel-drive vehicles, trucks, buses, camps, power systems, compressors, light towers, elevated work platforms, water pumps, and HDPE composite matting.
The company said its rental offering provides customers with an alternative to major capital expenditure while reducing maintenance obligations and equipment procurement delays.
Atlas Copco partnership strengthens equipment offering
High Arctic recently announced a partnership with Atlas Copco's Power Technique division, becoming its authorised distributor in Papua New Guinea.
Through its rental equipment division, the company now offers both sales and rental options for Atlas Copco power generators, energy storage systems, air compressors, light towers, dewatering pumps, and solar containers.
High Arctic said it also has access to technical support and product development resources from Atlas Copco's Australian operations and global manufacturing network. The company plans to maintain stocks of commonly required equipment and spare parts, while also developing a skilled local workforce to provide in-country aftermarket support.
According to High Arctic, the partnership is based on a shared objective of delivering quality equipment and service while improving distribution channels throughout Papua New Guinea. The partnership operates through the company's Rental Equipment business, headed by General Manager Steve Macklin.
New fire services capability
As part of its diversification strategy, High Arctic identified an under-served need for dedicated fire preparedness in PNG. A Fire Services Division was established in late 2025, providing fire protection solutions across PNG's industrial, commercial, and residential sectors.
The division's capabilities include fire system design, installation, commissioning, inspection, maintenance, and compliance certification.
Its fire protection offerings include centrally monitored fire alarm systems, emergency warning and intercommunication systems, sprinkler systems, fire hydrants, hose reels, pump sets, and gas, foam, and water mist suppression systems.
High Arctic said the division is led by General Manager Steve Bowman, who has 24 years of fire systems industry experience, including more than 15 years working within PNG's mining and industrial sectors.
Asset management and maintenance services
The company has long provided asset integrity and maintenance management services to its foundational customer in PNG. It is now offering preventive maintenance programmes, spare-parts planning, computerised maintenance management system implementation, maintenance manuals, and standard operating procedures to the broader industry in PNG.
According to High Arctic, the division is designed to help customers improve asset reliability, reduce operational risks, maximise equipment uptime, and support regulatory compliance.
The company also provides audits, technical assessments, and workforce training programmes aimed at strengthening maintenance capability and operational performance.
Drilling operations set to restart
A key development for the company came in May 2026, when High Arctic renewed a long-standing drilling services contract with its principal customer in Papua New Guinea.
Later that month, the customer advised that drilling activities would recommence, prompting plans to remobilise personnel and equipment in July ahead of drilling operations scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.
According to the company, the drilling programme currently includes four approved wells, with the potential for additional wells to be added in the future. High Arctic said the campaign could see Rig 103 operate beyond the current contract period.
The company said the recommencement of drilling would have a significant impact on stakeholders, particularly its domestic drilling workforce, many of whom have supported operations over the past two decades.
Workforce development remains a priority
PNG Industry Manpower Solutions (PIMS), which has been part of the High Arctic group since 2009, remains a key component of the company's workforce development efforts.
PIMS is registered with Papua New Guinea's Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology under National Training Council registration number 182 and provides certified training programmes focused on workplace compliance and competency development.
The company said PIMS is increasingly focused on partnering with industry clients to strengthen workforce competence, maintain compliance, and improve operational readiness through group-based certified training programmes.
The training provider is also seeking to support the development of future supervisors and leaders within PNG's national workforce through tailored leadership programmes.
Since 2024, PIMS has coordinated a quarterly industry roundtable that brings together representatives from a range of PNG-based organisations and industries. According to the company, the forum promotes open dialogue, shared insights, and peer learning to support workforce development and continuous improvement.
Looking ahead
High Arctic said it will continue to develop the capabilities of Papua New Guinea's national workforce while providing services across the country's resource, industrial, and commercial sectors.
The company said it is exploring additional diversification and investment opportunities that align with its business values and long-term objectives while maintaining its focus on quality performance and service delivery.
As it prepares for the return of drilling activities and expands its portfolio of industrial services, High Arctic said it remains committed to supporting the development of Papua New Guinea's resource sector and workforce.
