Baker Hughes: North America Rig Count Up 94 on Week

SECAUCUS, NJ (DTN) – North American drilling activity jumped by 94 rigs this week, with the surge driven almost entirely by higher activity in Canada, according to Baker Hughes’ weekly rig count report released Friday (1/9).

The combined change in U.S. and Canadian rig counts left the total North American rig count at 741, versus the prior week’s tally of 647. Year-on-year, North American rigs were lower by 59 from the 800 rigs operating during the same week last year.

Canada’s total rig count rose by 96 week-on-week to 197. By contrast, the U.S. rig count slipped by two to 544, slightly offsetting the broader North American surge.

In the United States, land-based drilling activity fell by two rigs to 525 for the week. Activity offshore and in inland waters were both unchanged at 16 and three, respectively.

Year-on-year, U.S. rigs were lower by 40 from the 584 reported during the same week last year.

U.S. rigs drilling for oil fell by three to 409 for the week. Those drilling for gas slid by one to 124. The miscellaneous rig count rose by two to 11.

By drilling type, horizontal rigs decreased by one to 475. Directional rigs rose by one to 57, while vertical rigs fell by two to 12.