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BAKKEN WIRE
Bakken Rig Count Drops to 26 as SOGC Remains Sole Movement - Bakken Wire
Rig Report

Bakken Rig Count Drops to 26 as SOGC Remains Sole Movement

The active rig tally fell by one to 26, continuing a slight weekly decline amid news of expanded crude marketing activity in the region.

Bakken Wire Staff·🌅Afternoon Wire·

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota fell by one to 26 on Thursday, June 18, according to live rig data. The decline follows a week of relative stability, with the count down one rig from the 27 reported on June 11.

The sole change involved the removal of a rig operated by SOGC, LLC. The H & P 515 rig was released from its location in 147-98-3 in McKenzie County. There were no new rigs added and no rigs that moved location on Thursday. Despite the weekly dip, the current rig count remains five rigs higher than the level of 21 seen one month ago on May 19.

The slight pullback in drilling activity comes as companies secure new revenue streams for Bakken crude. Vivakor, Inc. announced on June 17 that its trading platform has entered a one-year crude oil transaction expected to generate approximately $115 million in annualized gross revenue, according to a company press release. The deal, covering about 120,000 barrels per month, is set to commence on July 1, 2026.

Vivakor reported the crude will be delivered through its pipeline-connected injection facilities at Stanley and Beaver Lodge, North Dakota. The company stated this arrangement expands its recurring commercial activity in the Bakken and increases utilization of its regional gathering and logistics assets. Inclusive of this new transaction, Vivakor estimates its recurring contracted activities represent about $300 million in annualized contracted revenue opportunities for 2026.

"The Bakken remains one of North America's most important crude oil producing regions, and this agreement further strengthens our commercial presence in the basin," said James Ballengee, Chairman and CEO of Vivakor, in the statement.

The rig activity and new marketing deal unfold against a backdrop of industry uncertainty regarding the region's future. A separate report from June 16 highlighted that North Dakota officials are pushing for rapid progress on next-generation oil production technology ahead of potential federal policy changes, framing time as a critical factor for the Bakken's next era.

The current rig level suggests operators are maintaining a measured pace of development, leveraging existing infrastructure for marketing while navigating broader strategic planning for the basin's long-term outlook.

Source

Live rig data, Vivakor press release (June 17, 2026), Roundup web summary (June 16, 2026)

rig countdrillingbakkennorth dakotavivakormckenzie countyproduction

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