North Dakota Rig Count Rises to 36 as Two New Rigs Spud
The Williston Basin added two new drilling rigs and saw two others move locations, continuing a multi-week uptrend in activity.
The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota increased by two on Tuesday, reaching a total of 36, according to live rig data from Bakken Wire. This marks a net gain for the day, with zero rigs released from service.
Two new rigs commenced operations. Devon Energy Williston, L.L.C. spud the NOBLE 4 rig at a location in McKenzie County (152-101-14). Hess Bakken Investments II, LLC started drilling with the ENSIGN 532 rig in Williams County (156-98-3).
Activity also included two rig moves. Murfin Drilling Company, Inc. relocated the PATTERSON 290 rig to a new well site in Dunn County (141-96-33). Separately, IRON OIL OPERATING, LLC moved the NABORS B 12 rig to a location in Mountrail County (154-89-9).
The latest figures continue a steady climb in Bakken drilling activity over recent weeks. The current count of 36 rigs represents an increase of two from one week ago, when 34 rigs were active on August 18, 2026. The growth is more pronounced on a monthly basis, with 13 more rigs working now than on July 26, 2026, when the state's count stood at 23.
This local increase in the Williston Basin contrasts with a broader weekly decline across North America. According to a report from Rigzone published Tuesday, the North American rotary rig count dropped by eight rigs week-on-week, based on data from oilfield services firm Baker Hughes. The Bakken's resilience highlights ongoing operator focus on the core of the prolific formation.
The sustained rig additions over the past month signal renewed investment by major operators in the play. The specific activity by Devon Energy and Hess, two of the basin's largest producers, deploying new rigs in core counties like McKenzie and Williams is a key indicator of where drilling capital is being directed. Rig moves by smaller operators also contribute to overall efficiency and well planning.
The rising rig count is a leading indicator for future oil production from the Bakken formation, North Dakota's primary oil-producing region. More drilling rigs typically lead to an increase in well completions and new production coming online several months later, barring any significant changes in completion pace or well productivity.
Source
Bakken Wire live rig data, Rigzone
