Rotary rig numbers down slightly in US, Canada

March 16, 2007
The number of rotary rigs working in the US was 1,740 the week ended Mar. 16, which is 17 less than were working the same time last week but up by 194 from Mar. 17, 2006, according to Baker Hughes in Houston.

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Mar. 16 -- The number of rotary rigs working in the US was 1,740 the week ended Mar. 16, which is 17 less than were working the same time last week but up by 194 from Mar. 17, 2006, according to Baker Hughes in Houston.

There were 12 fewer rigs working in the Gulf of Mexico off Texas and Louisiana, and the 1 working off Florida has moved elsewhere, although inland waters gained 1 rig in Louisiana.
Onshore Texas, however gained 15 rigs to 818 working, and Louisiana gained 2 to182 making hole on land. Alaska has10 rigs drilling, down by 3 from last week. Among other states with rig losses were New Mexico and Utah with 5 fewer each—to 72 and 39 working, respectively—and Wyoming, down by 3 to 74. Oklahoma had 185 working, 2 fewer than last week, and Mississippi lost 2 rigs drilling to16 working.

Canada has 144 fewer rotary rigs working, down to 409 this week from 553 last week, but up from 269 drilling the same time last year.