By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Feb. 1 -- US rig activity continued to accelerate for the second straight week, with an additional 16 rotary rigs working the week ended Feb. 1, reported Baker Hughes Inc. in Houston.
That number represents 31 more rigs making hole than were working 2 weeks ago following a 7-week decline. The 1,763 total for this week compares with 1,714 working at the same time last year.
Again land drilling dominated new activity, with 19 more rigs starting up vs. 3 shutting down operations in inland waters.
Colorado accounted for 17 of the new rigs starting up, with the state having 119 rigs working, and Texas had 8 more, bringing that state's total to 859. Alaska added 2 rigs.
Losing ground were Louisiana, down by 6 rigs to 142 working; California, down by 3 to 34 drilling; and Oklahoma, down by 2 to 193. Wyoming held steady with 74 rigs working.
Offshore activity remained flat, with 57 rigs drilling, 56 of these in the Gulf of Mexico.
Canada also received a boost in rig activity this week, up by 11 rigs to 593 compared with 660 the same time last year.
