The U.S. shale patch just saw a new milestone. Caturus Energy has contracted Nabors Industries to deploy the PACE-X Ultra™ X33 rig—the most powerful onshore drilling system currently operating in the country. For Caturus, a fast-growing South Texas gas producer, this represents both a technological leap and a strategic push toward its ambitious goal of reaching 1 Bcf/d of production by 2029.
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Ultra-Spec Engineering: 4-Mile Laterals and Beyond
The PACE-X Ultra X33 is engineered for the most demanding drilling environments:
- 4-mile lateral capabilities and vertical depths beyond 14,000 feet
- A one-million-pound mast with 35,000-ft racking capacity
- Three 2,000-hp mud pumps rated for 10,000 psi
- Cat® Dynamic Gas Blending technology, which cuts diesel use and reduces emissions
This combination of power and efficiency sets a new standard for ultra-spec rigs, marrying brute force with smart energy management.
Fueling Caturus’ Growth in South Texas
Caturus Energy currently produces 650 MMcf/d across 200,000 net acres in the Eagle Ford and Austin Chalk. The deployment of the X33 is designed to improve cycle times, reliability, and drilling precision—critical factors as Caturus accelerates toward its net zero production goal of 1 Bcfe/d by 2029.
“We’re raising the bar for safe, efficient and sustainable drilling,” said Eric Kolstad, EVP of Wells at Caturus.
Nabors: Reinforcing Ultra-Spec Leadership
For Nabors Industries, the deployment validates its position as a technology leader in next-generation drilling systems.
“The PACE-X Ultra is a milestone for the industry,” noted Siggi Meissner, Nabors President of Global Drilling and Energy Transition.
By pushing the limits of horsepower, automation, and emissions reduction, Nabors strengthens its brand as the go-to partner for operators pursuing technically complex, high-pressure drilling programs.
A Bigger Picture: Caturus’ Integrated Gas Strategy
The rig deployment is one piece of a broader puzzle. Caturus Energy LLC is part of Caturus LLC, which is building an integrated natural gas business spanning upstream production and downstream LNG exports.
Highlights include:
- 200,000+ tier 1 acres in prolific dry gas windows of the Eagle Ford and Austin Chalk
- A 9.5 mtpa LNG export terminal on the mouth of the Calcasieu Pass, Louisiana (via Commonwealth LNG)
- First LNG offtake targeted for 2029, connecting responsibly sourced U.S. gas to global markets
This integration of upstream and LNG positions Caturus as a future supplier of low-emission natural gas for power generation and industrial demand worldwide.
Why It Matters
The launch of the PACE-X Ultra X33 is more than just another rig contract:
- For Caturus: It enables drilling precision and efficiency critical to doubling output within four years.
- For Nabors: It demonstrates the scalability of ultra-spec rigs in high-pressure gas plays.
- For the industry: It highlights the role of next-gen rigs and LNG infrastructure in meeting both domestic and global energy needs—reliably and with lower emissions.
As the shale patch evolves, the Caturus–Nabors partnership is a signal that the future of natural gas production will be defined by technology, efficiency, and integrated strategy.
