Bakken Rig Count Holds at 26 as Basin Sees New Crude Marketing Deal

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota's Bakken formation held steady at 26 on Friday, according to Bakken Wire's live rig data. The count showed no change from the previous day, with zero new rigs added, zero removed, and none moving location.

The current level of 26 rigs represents a slight decrease from one week ago, when the state reported 27 active rigs. However, the count is one rig higher than the level of 25 seen one month ago, indicating a period of relative stability in the basin's drilling activity.

Amid this steady drilling environment, significant commercial activity for Bakken crude continues. According to a June 17 announcement from Vivakor, Inc., reported by Bing News, the company's trading arm has secured a major new crude oil transaction tied to North Dakota infrastructure. Vivakor Supply & Trading, LLC (VST) entered into a recurring one-year arrangement expected to generate approximately $115 million in annualized gross revenue.

The transaction, which commences July 1, 2026, covers approximately 120,000 barrels of crude oil per month, or about 4,000 barrels per day. The crude will be delivered through Vivakor's pipeline-connected injection facilities located at Stanley and Beaver Lodge, North Dakota. According to the announcement, this agreement expands VST's commercial footprint in the Bakken and increases utilization of the company's gathering and logistics assets.

Inclusive of this new deal, Vivakor estimates its recurring contracted commercial activities represent approximately $300 million in annualized contracted revenue opportunities for 2026, based on current pricing assumptions and expected volumes.

James Ballengee, Chairman and CEO of Vivakor, stated in the announcement that the transaction demonstrates the value of integrating commodity marketing with physical infrastructure. "By utilizing our pipeline-connected injection facilities in the Bakken region, we are able to provide customers with reliable market access while increasing throughput and commercial activity across our operating platform," Ballengee said.

Ballengee added, "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."

The stability in the rig count, coupled with new midstream and marketing investments, underscores the ongoing economic activity in the Williston Basin. While drilling levels have fluctuated modestly in recent weeks, the announcement of a long-term, high-volume crude transaction highlights continued confidence in the region's infrastructure and production outlook.