North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 28, Adds Two New Rigs
The state's active drilling rig total is unchanged week-over-week but shows a six-rig gain over the past month.
North Dakota's active drilling rig count held steady at 28 on Monday, June 15, according to live rig data, despite the addition of two new rigs to the field. The state saw two new rigs begin operations, while none were removed or moved locations.
The new activity was concentrated in the core of the Bakken formation. Burlington Resources Oil & Gas Company LP spudded a new well using the NABORS 6 rig at location 151-96-7 in McKenzie County. Devon Energy Williston, L.L.C. also deployed a new rig, the NABORS B 13, at 150-99-11, also in McKenzie County.
The day's additions resulted in no net change to the overall count, maintaining the total of 28 active rigs. This level represents stability in the short term, matching the rig count from exactly one week prior on June 8.
The current activity level, however, reflects a notable increase from levels seen earlier in the spring. Compared to one month ago on May 16, when the state reported 22 active rigs, the count has risen by six units, or 27 percent. This sustained month-over-month gain indicates a period of expanded drilling operations by Bakken producers.
The consistent rig count near the 30-rig threshold is a key indicator for future oil production in the state. Rig activity is a leading indicator, with new wells typically taking several months to drill, complete, and tie into pipelines before contributing to official monthly production figures reported by the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources.
McKenzie County, where both new rigs were deployed, remains the epicenter of Bakken drilling activity. It consistently hosts the majority of the state's active rigs due to its high-density, high-productivity acreage. The specific permits for the new wells were not included in the data, but new drilling in this county typically targets the Middle Bakken and Three Forks formations.
The stability in the rig count comes amid ongoing focus on operational efficiency and capital discipline among major operators. While the monthly increase suggests some producers are executing on drilling plans, the flat week-over-week comparison shows the pace of expansion can be variable day-to-day.
Source
Bakken Wire Live Rig Data
