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BAKKEN WIRE
Bakken Rig Count Falls to 25; Two Rigs Released, Three Relocate - Bakken Wire
Rig Report

Bakken Rig Count Falls to 25; Two Rigs Released, Three Relocate

The North Dakota drilling fleet declined by two net rigs Tuesday, continuing a steady downward trend over the past month.

Bakken Wire Staff·🌅Afternoon Wire·

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota's Bakken formation fell to 25 on Tuesday, June 30, a net decline of two from the previous day. The drop continues a broader trend of decreasing rig activity in the state over the past month.

According to live data from Bakken Wire, two rigs were released from service on Tuesday. Ballard Petroleum Holdings, LLC released the T&S Drilling 2 rig from its location in Bottineau County. Oasis Petroleum North America LLC released the Nabors B26 rig from Mountrail County.

Offsetting some of that decrease, three rigs were reported to have moved to new locations. Oasis Petroleum North America LLC moved the Nabors B27 rig to the location in Mountrail County (157-93-13) previously occupied by the released Nabors B26. Continental Resources, Inc. moved the Noble 4 rig to a new site in Mountrail County (152-93-3). Enerplus Resources USA Corporation moved the Patterson 286 rig to a new location in Williams County (156-101-4).

The current rig count of 25 represents a decline of three rigs from one week ago, when 28 rigs were active on June 23. The pullback is more pronounced compared to one month ago; the state's active rig fleet has dropped by five since May 31, when 30 rigs were in operation.

The steady reduction in drilling activity over the past month suggests operators are continuing to exercise capital discipline, focusing drilling on their highest-return acreage while managing rig fleets in response to commodity price signals and operational efficiency goals. The relocation of rigs by major operators like Continental and Enerplus indicates a strategic shift of equipment rather than a broad-scale exit, as companies optimize their development plans within the core areas of the Williston Basin.

Mountrail County, a core production county in the Bakken, saw significant activity with one rig released and two others moving within its boundaries. Williams County, another key hydrocarbon-producing region, also saw a rig move.

The rig count is a closely watched leading indicator for future oil production in North Dakota. A sustained lower count typically points to a moderation in production growth in the coming months as fewer new wells are drilled and completed.

Source

Bakken Wire live rig data and historical context

rig countdrillingbakkenwilliston basinnorth dakotaoasis petroleumcontinental resourcesenerplusballard petroleummountrail countywilliams county

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