WTI Crude--
Brent Crude--
Natural Gas--
ND Rig Count--
WTI Crude--
Brent Crude--
Natural Gas--
ND Rig Count--
BAKKEN WIRE
Bakken Rig Count Holds at 26; Single Rig Relocates to Bottineau County - Bakken Wire
Rig Report

Bakken Rig Count Holds at 26; Single Rig Relocates to Bottineau County

North Dakota's active drilling rigs remain unchanged week-over-week as one rig moved location; historical context shows stability near mid-20s.

Bakken Wire Staff·🌅Afternoon Wire·

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota's Bakken formation held steady at 26 on Friday, according to live data from Bakken Wire. The count saw no net change from Thursday, with no new rigs added and none removed.

One rig did change location. T&S Drilling 2, operating for Ballard Petroleum Holdings, LLC, moved to a site in Bottineau County (159-81-30). This intra-basin movement reflects ongoing optimization of drilling programs by operators.

The current rig activity level represents a slight decline from one week ago, when 27 rigs were active on June 12. Compared to one month ago, however, activity is up by one rig from the 25 counted on May 20. This indicates a period of relative stability for drilling activity in the Williston Basin, with the count hovering in the mid-20s.

The steady rig count coincides with significant commercial activity in the region's oil marketing and infrastructure sector. According to a June 17 announcement from Vivakor, Inc., reported by Bing News, the company's trading platform secured a one-year crude oil transaction expected to generate approximately $115 million in annualized revenue. The deal, covering about 120,000 barrels per month, will utilize Vivakor's pipeline-connected injection facilities at Stanley and Beaver Lodge, North Dakota, starting July 1, 2026.

Vivakor Chairman and CEO James Ballengee stated the Bakken "remains one of North America's most important crude oil producing regions," and the agreement strengthens the company's commercial presence there. The news source reported that, inclusive of this transaction, Vivakor estimates its recurring contracted commercial activities represent approximately $300 million in annualized contracted revenue opportunities for 2026.

For Bakken operators and royalty owners, a stable rig count near current levels suggests a focus on capital discipline and efficiency, with drilling activity concentrated in the most productive areas. The concurrent news of expanded crude oil marketing and infrastructure utilization highlights the ongoing importance of midstream logistics and market access for the region's production.

Source

Bakken Wire Live Rig Data, Bing News

rig countdrilling activitybakkenwilliston basinnorth dakotaballard petroleum holdingsvivakorinfrastructure

Share this article

PostShareShareEmail

Related Articles

North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 33 After Three Rigs Dropped - Bakken Wire
Rig Report

North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 33 After Three Rigs Dropped

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota held steady at 33 on Wednesday, October 7, despite three rigs being released by operators, according to live rig data. The net count was unchanged from one week ago on September 30. Three rigs were released from service on Wednesday. Hunt Oil Company released the T&S Drilling 1 rig from a location in Burke County (159-90-33). Devon Energy Williston, L.L.C. released the Noble 4 rig from Dunn County (149-91-18). XTO Energy Inc. released the H & P 429 rig from McKenzie County (153-96-3). No rigs were reported as moving to new locations. The current count of 33 rigs represents a decrease of two rigs from the level seen one month ago on September 7, when 35 rigs were active. The stability over the past week suggests a period of equilibrium in drilling activity, with new rigs being added to replace those...

🌅Afternoon Wire·Oct 7
North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 36, Up Three Over Past Week - Bakken Wire
Rig Report

North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 36, Up Three Over Past Week

North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 36 on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, according to live rig data from Bakken Wire. The data showed no new rigs added, none removed, and no rigs moving location since the prior day. The current count represents a gain of three rigs compared to one week ago, when the state reported 33 active rigs on September 30, 2026. Compared to one month ago, activity is up by one rig from the 35 rigs reported on September 7. A rig count in the mid-30s is consistent with the operational tempo seen in the Bakken formation over recent years, as producers focus capital discipline and efficiency gains in the mature shale play. The stability in the count suggests operators are maintaining, but not aggressively expanding, their drilling programs as of early October. The Williston Basin, home to the Bakken and Three Forks formations, remains...

☀️Morning Wire·Oct 7
North Dakota Rig Count Rises to 36; Zavanna Adds New Williams County Rig - Bakken Wire
Rig Report

North Dakota Rig Count Rises to 36; Zavanna Adds New Williams County Rig

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota increased by one to 36 on Tuesday, October 6, according to live data from Bakken Wire. The gain marks a continuation of recent activity increases in the Williston Basin. The sole addition was a rig operated by Zavanna Energy Operating, LLC. The company spud the NABORS X28 rig at a well location in Williams County (Section 3, Township 153N, Range 99W). No rigs were removed from service or moved to new locations within the state on Tuesday, resulting in the net gain of one. The current rig count of 36 represents a significant weekly increase. One week ago, on September 29, 2026, the state reported 30 active rigs, meaning the fleet has grown by six units over the past seven days. Compared to one month ago, activity is also up marginally. On September 6, 2026, the state's rig count stood at...

🌅Afternoon Wire·Oct 6