Only one inland waters rig left
Drilling activity in the U.S. decreased this week as rigs continue to seek equilibrium, according to Baker Hughes Weekly Rig Count.
A total of four rigs shut down this week, almost entirely reversing the gains established last week. There are now 936 drilling rigs operating in the U.S. Three land-based rigs shut down, leaving 913 such rigs operational. One inland waters rig also came offline, leaving only one such rig active in the country. The number of offshore rigs was unchanged at 22.
Changes were split evenly between oil and gas operations, with two oil-targeting and gas-targeting rigs coming offline. There are now 748 oil-targeting rigs, 187 gas targeting rigs, and one “miscellaneous” rig active in the U.S.
Trajectory-based rig counts moved counter to overall trends this week. Vertical rigs, which have declined in importance in the past few years, showed the only additions this week, with one rig coming online. Directional rigs lost some of their lead over vertical rigs, with three rigs shutting down. Horizontal rigs, which dominate modern activities, saw two rigs shut down in the week.
Oklahoma reversed the decline seen in the state last week, adding three rigs for a total of 127. Colorado added one rig, while Louisiana lost one. Two rigs shut down in Pennsylvania and Wyoming, while three came offline in Texas.
Most popular basins see decreases
The Arkoma Woodford saw the largest single basin increase in rig count this week, adding two to end the week with 11 rigs. One rig came online in the Barnett, DJ-Niobrara and Eagle Ford. Two rigs shut down in the Cana Woodford, Marcellus and Permian.
U.S. activity surpasses international
Baker Hughes also released its monthly International Rig County today, outlining the state of activity in the rest of the world. In total, 21 rigs shut down internationally in September, meaning there were 931 rigs active outside of the U.S. and Canada.
This is the first time since the downturn began that U.S. activity outpaced international operations, as there was an average of 940 rigs active in the U.S. in September.
The largest change in activity in September was seen in Latin America, where 14 rigs shut down. This drop was spread over multiple countries, with rigs shutting down in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela.
Decreases were also seen in Africa and Asia-Pacific, where five rigs shut down. Activity in Europe was unchanged, while four rigs began activities in the Middle East.
