Baker Hughes: North America Rig Count Down 16 on Week

DAVENPORT, FL (DTN) – North American drilling activity declined by 16 rigs this week, with the entire drop driven by lower activity in Canada, according to Baker Hughes’ weekly rig count report released this week.

The combined change in U.S. and Canadian rig counts left the total North American rig count at 647, down from 663 the prior week. Year-on-year, North American rigs were lower by 36 from the 683 rigs operating during the same week last year, according to the report released on Tuesday (12/30) due to the New Year’s holiday.

Canada’s total rig count fell by 17 week-on-week to 101. By contrast, the U.S. rig count edged higher by one to 546, partially offsetting the broader North American decline.

In the United States, land-based drilling activity increased by one rig to 527 for the week. Offshore activity was unchanged at 16 rigs, while activity in inland waters was flat at three. The Gulf of Mexico rig count was unchanged at nine.

Year-on-year, U.S. rigs were lower by 43 from the 589 reported during the same week last year.

U.S. oil rigs rose by three to 412 for the week. Gas rigs fell by two to 125. The count for miscellaneous U.S. rigs was unchanged at nine.

By drilling type, horizontal rigs rose by two to 476. Directional rigs were unchanged at 56, while vertical rigs slipped by one to 14.