Drilling rig count rises by 52 to 1,530

Ray Tyson

The number of rotary drilling rigs operating in North America during the week ending Sept. 24 totaled 1,530, an increase of 52 from the previous week and an increase of 127 compared to the same period last year, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

Canada, compared to the previous week, picked up 45 rigs for a total 291. But that country’s rig count was still down by 17 vs. the same period last year.

The United States gained a net seven rigs compared to the prior week for a total of 1,239. The count also was up by 144 compared to the year-ago period. The number of land rigs compared to the previous week alone increased by 13 to 1,134. The number of inland water rigs remained unchanged at 18. And the number of offshore rigs decreased by six to 87.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 1,073 were drilling for natural gas and 165 for oil, while one was being used for miscellaneous purposes. Of the total, 787 were vertical wells, 336 directional wells, and 116 horizontal wells.

Among the leading producing areas of the United States, New Mexico gained seven rigs in the recent week for a total of 77. Texas picked up six rigs for a total of 520. Alaska gained two rigs for a total of 11. And Wyoming picked up one rig for a total of 87. Louisiana’s rig count was unchanged at 163, as well as California’s at 23 rigs.