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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

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