Empire Petroleum Ramps Up East Texas Workover Campaign, Plans Up to 30 Wells in 2026
According to Drilling Contractor, Empire Petroleum has expanded its 2026 Texas gas development program to target between 12 and 30 wells, scaling up from an initial workover campaign that began in Q4 2025.
A Multi-Phase Program Picking Up Steam
The company entered 2026 with operations already underway on 10 wells, focused on reactivating and working over existing wellbores to restore baseline production. Early results are encouraging, with some wells already flowing during cleanup.
The program spans multiple pay zones including the Glen Rose, Rodessa, James Lime, Travis Peak, and Haynesville-Bossier intervals. Empire is also planning wellbore cleanouts to depths of 17,000 to 21,000 ft to evaluate the Cotton Valley-Bossier and Western Haynesville zones.
A key transition is set for Q2 2026, when Empire plans to bring in a dedicated drilling rig to deepen wells from roughly 3,500 ft to 7,000 ft. That move signals a shift from pure reactivation work into an active drilling phase, broadening the scope of services needed in the field.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- Workover contractors are already engaged with one active rig on site. Companies with workover units in East Texas should be positioning for additional call-outs as the well count grows toward the 30-well target.
- Completion and perforation crews will see demand as Empire advances recompletions and targets new pay intervals across several formations.
- Surface and pipeline construction firms have near-term opportunities in flowline construction, pad development, and tie-in preparation, all listed as active work items in the current program.
- Artificial lift specialists and water management contractors are also in scope, as Empire is actively upgrading lift systems and water quality infrastructure across the asset base.
- Drilling contractors should note the planned Q2 2026 rig addition for well-deepening work, which represents a new contract opportunity separate from the ongoing workover activity.
With 10 wells already in motion and a ramp to 30 on the table, the timeline is tight. Subcontractors in the East Texas region should be reaching out to Empire Petroleum now rather than waiting for formal bid packages.
