North Dakota Rig Count Holds Steady at 27 After Day of Churn
Two new rigs spud in Divide and Mountrail counties, while two others were released, maintaining the state's recent elevated drilling pace.
The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota's oil fields remained at 27 on Thursday, July 30, following a day of equal additions and subtractions, according to live rig data.
Two new drilling operations commenced, offsetting the release of two rigs. The net-zero change maintains a modestly higher level of activity compared to recent weeks. One week ago, on July 23, the state reported 25 active rigs, and one month ago, on June 30, the count stood at 24.
In the Williston Basin's northwestern reaches, two operators deployed new rigs. Phoenix Operating LLC spud a new well, the PATTERSON 280, in Divide County at location 162-95-28. Continental Resources, Inc., one of the basin's largest operators, also started drilling, deploying the PATTERSON 297 in Mountrail County at 152-93-3.
The rigs removed from service were both listed at the same location in Divide County (160-98-22). Phoenix Operating LLC released the T&S DRILLING 2 rig from that site. Firebird Services, LLC also reported releasing a rig named T&S DRILLING 2 from the identical location, indicating a potential data reporting overlap or a change in service provider for the same physical asset.
The stable rig count at 27 suggests operators are maintaining a consistent, disciplined capital program focused on core acreage in prolific counties like Divide and Mountrail. The Bakken formation remains North Dakota's primary oil-producing region, and rig activity is a leading indicator of future production.
The current activity level, up three rigs from a month ago, reflects a sustained commitment to development despite broader commodity price fluctuations. Operators continue to target the Middle Bakken and Three Forks formations, which have driven the state's oil output for over a decade.
No rigs were reported as moving to a new location within the state today, indicating that the new spuds represent fresh permits being drilled and the removed rigs have likely been stacked or moved out of state.
For royalty owners and service companies in the Bakken, the steady rig count provides near-term visibility into ongoing drilling and completion work. The concentration of activity in established counties underscores the continued economic viability of the basin's core areas.
Source
Bakken Wire Live Rig Data
