North Dakota Rig Count Rises to 24 with New Hess Rig in McKenzie

North Dakota's active drilling rig count rose to 24 on Saturday, July 11, with one new rig reported, according to live data from Bakken Wire.

The increase follows a week of relative stability. The count had been at 25 active rigs one week ago on July 4, and stood at 27 a month ago on June 11.

The sole addition was a rig operated by HESS BAKKEN INVESTMENTS II, LLC. The NABORS x24 rig began work at location 149-100-33 in McKenzie County. No rigs were removed or moved locations on Saturday.

McKenzie County, situated in the core of the Bakken formation, consistently hosts the majority of the state's drilling activity. The addition of a Hess rig underscores the ongoing, targeted investment by major operators in the most productive areas of the Williston Basin.

The current count of 24 rigs represents a decline of three units compared to the level seen just one month ago. This gradual easing aligns with a broader industry focus on capital discipline and maximizing efficiency from existing wells, rather than pursuing aggressive rig-led growth.

In a related global context, International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol urged the European Union to reconsider its moratorium on drilling for oil and gas in the Arctic, according to a report from Rigzone published Saturday. While not directly impacting North Dakota policy, such high-level discussions highlight the ongoing geopolitical and supply debates surrounding hydrocarbon development, even as regions like the Bakken maintain steady operations.

For Bakken operators and mineral owners, the rig count serves as a leading indicator of future production and midstream activity. The current level suggests a maintained baseline of development, though at a moderated pace compared to previous periods of higher activity.