North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 35 After Daily Swap

North Dakota's active drilling rig count remained unchanged at 35 on Monday, August 24, following a day where one new rig was deployed and another was released.

According to live rig data, the net activity resulted in a single rig being added and a single rig being removed, with no rigs moving between locations. The current fleet of 35 rigs represents an increase of two from the count of 33 reported one week ago on August 17, and a significant jump of 12 rigs from the 23 active rigs operating one month ago on July 25.

The sole new rig reported Monday is the BERENERGY CORPORATION: PRONGHORN 7, located in Renville County at 158-82-1. The rig removed from the active list was the DEVON ENERGY WILLISTON, L.L.C: NOBLE 4, which had been operating in McKenzie County at 152-101-23.

The stability in the overall count masks the underlying churn typical of the drilling sector, as operators adjust their capital programs and complete wells. The consistent activity over the past week, coupled with the substantial month-over-month gain, suggests operators are maintaining a firm level of drilling activity in the Bakken formation.

A rig count in the mid-30s represents a sustained level of investment in the state's primary oil-producing region. The Williston Basin's rig count is a closely watched indicator of near-term production trends and operator confidence.

The data shows the recent upward trend has held, with the count now sitting at its highest point in the provided recent history. The addition of a rig in Renville County indicates continued development interest across the basin, while the release of a rig in the core McKenzie County area is a routine part of the drilling cycle.