Rig Count as of Oct. 17, 2025

Aries One
4 days ago
2 min read

According to Baker Hughes, global rig activity remains resilient despite ongoing market uncertainty, reflecting disciplined growth and targeted capital deployment across regions.

United States: 548 rigs (+1 week | -37 year)
Canada: 198 rigs (+5 week | -19 year)
International: 1,084 rigs (+8 month | -72 year)

These figures suggest a gradual rebound in North American drilling, supported by stable commodity prices and a renewed push toward year-end project completions.

U.S. Rig Count: Marginal Growth Amid Efficiency Gains

The U.S. rig count inched higher this week, signaling steady confidence among shale producers. Even with a 37-rig decline year over year, operators continue to deliver strong output through:

Improved drilling efficiency and longer laterals
Selective capital allocation toward high-return basins
Technology integration to optimize well productivity

This combination allows producers to sustain output while maintaining cost discipline and shareholder returns — a hallmark of the current upstream investment cycle.

Canada Rig Count: Strong Seasonal Momentum

Canada posted the most significant weekly increase, adding five rigs as winter drilling preparations accelerate. Activity remains concentrated in Western Canada’s Montney, Duvernay, and Clearwater plays, driven by:

Growing natural gas demand for LNG exports
Attractive condensate pricing
Increasing service-sector readiness for Q4 campaigns

Canadian operators appear poised for a robust winter drilling season, reflecting confidence in long-term gas development.

International Rig Count: Stable Growth in Offshore and Emerging Markets

The international rig count remains unchanged month to month at 1,084 active rigs, though it reflects steady offshore expansion in regions such as West Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.Long-cycle developments and national oil company (NOC) investments continue to anchor growth, offsetting declines in mature basins.

As global demand stabilizes and deepwater projects ramp up, international activity is expected to gradually strengthen into 2026.

Aries One Perspective: Navigating Market Momentum

The current rig trends reflect a balanced global outlook — mature basins emphasizing efficiency and cost control, while emerging regions drive growth through new exploration and infrastructure investment.

At Aries One, we help clients interpret and respond to these shifts with integrated solutions that enhance operational readiness and project success:

Consulting: Market intelligence, rig forecasting, and asset planning
Project Management: End-to-end oversight for drilling and completion progra ms
Staffing: Access to skilled engineering and field professionals worldwide
Technology: Digital workflows for performance and emissions optimization
Training: Workforce development to ensure safe and sustainable operations