Bakken Rig Count Holds Steady at 27 Amid Market Expansion
The North Dakota drilling fleet remains unchanged for a second consecutive week, while a major crude marketing deal signals midstream confidence.
The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota's Bakken formation held steady at 27 for the week ending June 18, 2026, according to live rig data. The count showed no day-over-day change, with zero new rigs added, zero rigs removed, and no rigs moving location.
This marks the second consecutive week the state's rig count has remained at 27, indicating a period of operational stability. The current fleet represents a significant increase from one month prior, when 21 rigs were active on May 19, 2026—a gain of six rigs.
The stable drilling environment coincides with a significant expansion in crude oil marketing activity in the region. Vivakor, Inc. announced on June 17 that its trading division has secured a one-year crude oil transaction expected to generate approximately $115 million in annualized revenue, according to a company press release. The deal covers roughly 120,000 barrels per month and is set to commence July 1, 2026, running through June 30, 2027.
The transaction will utilize Vivakor's pipeline-connected injection facilities at Stanley and Beaver Lodge, North Dakota. Company Chairman and CEO James Ballengee stated the agreement "demonstrates the value of integrating commodity marketing with physical infrastructure" and strengthens the firm's commercial presence in the Bakken, which he called "one of North America's most important crude oil producing regions."
Inclusive of this new deal, Vivakor estimates its recurring contracted activities represent approximately $300 million in annualized contracted revenue opportunities for 2026, based on current pricing and expected volumes.
This midstream expansion and contracted revenue growth occur against a backdrop of industry uncertainty regarding the region's future. As reported by northdakotamonitor.com, North Dakota officials are pushing for rapid progress on next-generation oil production technology ahead of potential federal policy changes, framing "time is the enemy" for the basin's next era.
The current rig level, while up month-over-month, remains below the historical peaks seen in previous boom cycles, reflecting a continued industry focus on capital discipline and efficiency. The concurrent news of expanding midstream contracts suggests operators are securing market access for production even as the drilling pace stabilizes.
Source
Bakken Wire Live Rig Data, Vivakor, Inc. press release (June 17, 2026), northdakotamonitor.com summary (June 16, 2026)
