Alaska’s only 100% Alaskan-owned natural gas producer, HEX LLC (HEX), is advancing natural gas production in Cook Inlet through a major 2026 drilling campaign, new infrastructure investments, and continued operation of assets that support Alaska’s energy security and the Railbelt economy.
“HEX is developing the Kitchen Lights Unit (KLU) and related Cook Inlet infrastructure to help provide reliable, local natural gas for Alaskans. HEX is producing now. HEX is investing now,” said John Hendrix, President and CEO of HEX. “HEX has demonstrated a proven history of providing natural gas for Alaskans. In 2025, we doubled production, and had the top two performing wells in the Cook Inlet Basin. Ten percent of Cook Inlet natural gas came from HEX’s six wells. By continuing to drill and invest in Cook Inlet, we are supporting Alaska businesses and communities while helping ensure Southcentral has access to reliable, local natural gas.”
This year, HEX is investing roughly $50 million to produce Cook Inlet natural gas. Hilcorp’s Spartan 151, Cook Inlet’s only jack-up drilling rig, is on HEX’s Allegra Leigh Platform (ALP) in the KLU, where drilling is underway to a depth of over 9,000 feet. HEX aims to have two wells completed by end of October. If weather and winter icing conditions allow, HEX hopes to drill a third well before the end of the season.
Support from the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) enables responsible development and economic growth. The drilling campaign is also supported by more than 25 local suppliers and HEX’s new 190-foot support vessel, the Atlantis, which is delivering supplies to the ALP utilizing dynamic positioning. HEX is also using an innovative dual wellhead system that enables two wells to be drilled from one slot, improving operational efficiency while supporting expanded deliverability from the KLU.
These operational investments build on HEX’s 2025-2026 winter infrastructure work, when the company doubled its well capacity by installing a new production header system that expanded from six wells to accommodate as many as 14 wells. Together, the production header system, dual wellhead system, and Atlantis support vessel reflect HEX’s planned commitment to provide natural gas for Alaskans.
Cook Inlet producers operate critical infrastructure that supplies natural gas to approximately 75 percent of Alaskans. The oil and gas industry supports over 2,000 jobs on the Kenai Peninsula where HEX operates. By continuing to develop local resources, producers support Alaskan jobs, local businesses, public revenue, and the community services that depend on a stable economic base.
About HEX LLC
HEX LLC is Alaska’s only 100% Alaskan-owned natural gas producer. Headquartered in Anchorage with operations in Nikiski, HEX owns and operates natural gas leases and critical infrastructure in Cook Inlet and on the Kenai Peninsula. HEX is committed to responsibly developing Alaska natural gas resources for Alaskans.
Press release provided by HEX LLC.
