
Bakken Rig Count Jumps to 36, Adding Four New Drilling Rigs
The North Dakota active rig count rose by three net to reach its highest point in recent weeks, with new activity spread across three counties.
North Dakota's active drilling rig count rose to 36 on Monday, October 12, a net increase of three from the previous day, according to live data from Bakken Wire. The day saw four new rigs commence operations and one rig released.
The new rigs added include Phoenix Operating LLC's T&S DRILLING 2 in Divide County (160-97-29), BURLINGTON RESOURCES OIL & GAS COMPANY LP's NABORS X8 in McKenzie County (151-96-7), and two in Williams County: SLAWSON EXPLORATION COMPANY, INC.'s NABORS X25 (154-104-36) and DEVON ENERGY WILLISTON, L.L.C.'s NOBLE 4 (152-104-3). The sole rig released was FORMENTERA OPERATIONS, LLC's NABORS B23 from Divide County (161-97-16).
One rig changed location, with OASIS PETROLEUM NORTH AMERICA LLC moving its NABORS B26 rig to a new site in McKenzie County (152-102-19).
The current count of 36 rigs represents a slight upward trend in the Bakken formation. The rig count is up by one compared to one week ago, when 35 rigs were active on October 5, and is up by two compared to the 34 rigs active one month ago on September 12.
The increase in North Dakota aligns with a broader North American trend. According to Rigzone, North America added 11 rigs week on week in the latest Baker Hughes rotary rig count, marking three consecutive weeks of gains for the continent.
The day's activity highlights ongoing operations by a mix of large independents and smaller operators across the core Bakken counties. Williams County led with two new rigs, while McKenzie and Divide counties each saw one new rig spud. The movement suggests sustained, steady drilling activity focused on core acreage within the Williston Basin.
Source
Bakken Wire live rig data, Rigzone


