North American drilling rig count rises by 26 to 1,544

Ray Tyson

The number of rotary drilling rigs operating in North America during the week ending Sept. 3 increased by 26 to 1,544 compared to the previous week, and was up by 86 rigs vs. the same period a year ago, according to rig monitor Baker Hughes.

Canada gained 16 rigs compared to the previous week for a total of 295 rigs, which was down by 72 rigs compared to the year-ago period.

The number of rigs operating in the United States increased by a net 10 to 1,249 compared to the previous week and was up by 156 rigs vs. the same period last year. Compared to the previous week, land rigs alone rose by 10 to 1,137, while inland waters lost one rig for a total of 18 and the offshore gained one rig for a total of 94.

Of the total number of rigs operating in the United States during the recent week, 1,082 were drilling for natural gas and 166 for oil, while one rig was being used for miscellaneous purposes. Of the total, 786 were vertical wells, 329 directional wells and 134 horizontal wells.

Among the leading producing states, Texas gained 10 rigs for a total of 536, while New Mexico picked up four rigs to total 72 and Oklahoma gained three rigs to total 170. Alaska lost two rigs to total seven, while Wyoming lost one rig to total 84. Louisiana was unchanged with 162 rigs, as well as California with 25 rigs.