NOV RIG CENSUS
Figure 9 (TOP): Resilience may be seen
in the small bounceback of Ukrainian
rigs after the dramatic drop as war en-
gulfed the country early this year. Fig-
ure 10 (2ND FROM TOP): The census
captured a distinct drop in Libya’s ac-
tive rig count this year. Figure 11 (2ND
FROM BOTTOM): Argentina and Colom-
bia both appear to be recovering from
prior rock-bottom rig activity. Figure 12
(BOTTOM): The Iraqi active count has
quickly accelerated to nearly the same
level as the Saudi rig count as of June
2022. wide have taken steps to counteract the
spike seen earlier in 2022. Rig count and
utilization are likely to increase, but the
availability of qualified personnel, sup-
ply chain constraints and minimal spare
capacity will keep this at a muted pace.

Consequently, drilling contractors, service
providers and OEMs will likely have more
pricing power in negotiations.

The world needs sustainable, afford-
able and secure energy, and all projec-
tions predict a growing need for energy.

While the world works on transition-
ing to more sustainable energy sources,
the oil and gas industry continues to
take tremendous steps to reduce car-
bon emissions. Oil and gas remain two
of the most affordable and transferable
forms of energy and are subsequently
critical to any country’s energy security.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has shown
the vital importance of energy security,
which adds up to favorable times ahead
for oil and gas. DC
NOV’s 69th Annual Rig Census was prepared
by Tarjei “TJ” Myklebust, Senior Analyst; Karl
Appleton, Business Development Director; and
Kevin Scherm, Business Development.

IHS Markit is the primary source for the global
offshore fleet, while Enverus has provided the
source material for the US and Canadian
onshore fleets. Information for the international
land fleet was found using both Baker Hughes
data and Spears and Associates information
collected and analyzed by NOV personnel.

US Rig Census historical data, 1955-2022. Note:
Data for 1953, 1954, and 2002 are not available.

DRILLING CONTRACTOR • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022
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