North Dakota Rig Count Rises to 37, Adding 2 New Drilling Rigs
Marlo and Formentera each spud new wells in the southwest Bakken as the state's active fleet grows by one rig over the past week.
North Dakota's active drilling rig count increased to 37 on Saturday, November 7, 2026, with the addition of two new rigs and no reported removals or moves, according to live rig data.
Two operators deployed new rigs. Marlo Operating Company, LLC, moved the ND ENERGY 20 rig to a location in Bowman County (129-103-19). Formentera Operations, LLC, spud a new well using the NABORS B23 rig in Burke County (162-94-23). Both new operations are in the state's southwestern counties, which contain portions of the Bakken formation.
The day's activity brings the statewide count up by two rigs from the previous day. The current fleet of 37 rigs represents an increase of one rig compared to one week ago, when 36 rigs were active on October 31, 2026. The rig count has gained three units over the past month, rising from 34 active rigs on October 8, 2026.
The steady, incremental growth in drilling activity over the past month suggests sustained operator interest in developing Bakken and Three Forks shale prospects. Rig count is a key leading indicator for future oil production in the state, which is the third-largest oil-producing region in the United States.
The addition of rigs by smaller, private operators like Marlo and Formentera highlights the diverse mix of companies active in the Williston Basin alongside larger public producers. Drilling in Bowman and Burke Counties often targets the Bakken shale's southwestern extension.
The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources typically reports monthly production data with a two-month lag. The current rig activity will influence production volumes reported for November and December 2026.
Source
Bakken Wire Live Rig Data, historical rig count data
