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BAKKEN WIRE
North Dakota Rig Count Drops to 29, Enerplus Rig Removed - Bakken Wire
Rig Report

North Dakota Rig Count Drops to 29, Enerplus Rig Removed

The state's active drilling rig count fell by one as two other rigs relocated within the Bakken formation.

Bakken Wire Staff·🌅Afternoon Wire·

North Dakota's active drilling rig count stands at 29 as of Wednesday, June 24, 2026, a net decrease of one from the previous day, according to live Bakken Wire data.

One rig was removed from service, while two others moved to new locations within the state. Enerplus Resources USA Corporation removed its TRUE 40 rig from Dunn County. The rigs that moved were Marlo Operating Company, LLC's STONEHAM 16, which relocated to Bowman County, and EOG Resources, Inc.'s H & P 259, which moved to Mountrail County.

The current count of 29 rigs represents an increase of two rigs compared to one week ago, when the state reported 27 active rigs on June 17. The count is also two rigs higher than the level reported one month ago on May 25.

The day's rig activity comes amid broader global shifts in drilling focus and labor tensions. Internationally, the drilling contractor Saipem is divesting shallow water rigs in Saudi Arabia to concentrate on deepwater and harsh-environment offshore drilling, according to a report from Rigzone. The company stated the transaction represents a step in implementing its strategic portfolio focus.

Separately, a strike by well workers in Norway's offshore sector continues to escalate, Rigzone reported. Affected service companies, including Baker Hughes, Halliburton, and SLB, have imposed a legal work halt to force workers to agree to terms proposed under government mediation.

The stability in North Dakota's rig count over the past month, holding within a narrow band, suggests a measured pace of development in the Bakken formation. Operator movements, such as EOG Resources shifting a rig within the core Mountrail County area, indicate ongoing optimization of drilling programs.

Source

Bakken Wire live rig data, Rigzone

rig countdrillingenerpluseog resourcesmarlo operatingbakkennorth dakota

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