Parker Drilling Co. (NYSE: PKD) has commenced drilling operations with the second of two Arctic Alaska Drilling Unit (AADU) rigs in the Alaska North Slope.

According to the release, the company developed the rigs safely and efficiently to perform in environmentally sensitive, harsh arctic environments.

Rig 272 initiated operations earlier this week under the terms of the company's five-year contract with BP Plc (NYSE: BP). Rig 273, the company's first AADU rig, commenced operations in December 2012.

Headquartered in Houston, Parker Drilling provides high-performance contract drilling solutions, rental tools and ...