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North Dakota Rig Count Dips to 36 - Bakken Wire
Rig Report

North Dakota Rig Count Dips to 36

One rig released in Williams County as the state's total active drilling rigs hold near multi-month highs.

Bakken Wire Staff·🌅Afternoon Wire·

The number of rigs actively drilling for oil and gas in North Dakota fell by one to 36 on Thursday, according to live data from Bakken Wire. The decline follows a week of relative stability in the state's drilling activity.

One rig was released from service. Kraken Operating, LLC's T&S Drilling 1 rig was removed from its location in Williams County (158-100-17). No new rigs were added, and no rigs were reported as having moved locations.

The current count of 36 rigs represents a slight increase over the past month. One week ago, on October 15, the state reported 35 active rigs. One month ago, on September 22, the count stood at 32 active rigs, indicating a net gain of four rigs over the four-week period.

The steady rig activity comes as North Dakota's oil production infrastructure reaches a new milestone. According to a report from Bing News, new figures from the Department of Mineral Resources show the number of active oil wells hit an all-time high in August, exceeding 20,000 wells.

A stable rig count supports the ongoing maintenance and gradual growth of this record well inventory. While the rig count is a leading indicator of future production, the high number of producing wells is a primary driver of current output from the Bakken formation and wider Williston Basin.

The single rig release today is a routine adjustment within the current operational tempo. Operators regularly adjust their drilling schedules based on well completion timelines, crew availability, and logistical planning. The Williams County location is within the core of the Bakken play.

For royalty owners and service companies, the current environment suggests sustained drilling activity. The rig count remains significantly higher than levels seen a month ago, providing continuity for the state's oilfield service sector.

Market observers watch the rig count as a barometer of operator confidence and capital expenditure follow-through. The current level, combined with the record number of producing wells, points to a mature, steady production phase for North Dakota's oil industry.

Source

Bakken Wire Live Rig Data, Bing News

rig-countdrillingbakkenwilliston basinnorth dakotakraken operating

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