Rig Utilization

Woldwide Offshore Rig Utilization Plummets

Offshore rig utilization fell in the world's most active markets during the week ending July 6, according to ODS-Petrodata Group. U.S. Gulf of Mexico rig utilization dropped 1.5 percent to 85.8 percent this week, with 182 rigs under contract out of a total of 212. European rig utilization fell 1.0 percent to 95.1 percent this week with 97 of the region's 102 rigs under contract, according to ODS, while worldwide rig utilization fell 0.7 percent to 89.0 percent with 580 out of 652 worldwide rigs under contract.

Offshore Rig Utilization Hits 2-Year High

Worldwide offshore rig utilization hit a fresh two-year high the week ending March 23, according to ODS-Petrodata Group. Global rig utilization climbed 0.5 percent to 88 percent, due to a three-rig net increase in contracted rigs, ODS-Petrodata reported. Of the world's 649 offshore rigs, 571 are under contract. Utilization is the highest since October 2, 1998 when it reached 88.7 percent. U.S. Gulf rig utilization remained unchanged at 88

Offshore Rig Utilization Declines Slightly

Worldwide offshore rig utilization declined slightly since last week, according to Offshore Data Services' weekly mobile offshore rig count. Two less mobile offshore drilling rigs are under contract worldwide this week compared to last week. With 484 of the world's 634 offshore drilling rigs now under contract, worldwide offshore rig utilization is 76.3 percent. A one-rig decline in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico rig count occurred since last week

Offshore Rig Report

Offshore Rig Counts Increase The U.S. and European offshore rig counts increased since last week, according to Offshore Data Services' weekly mobile offshore rig count. In addition, one new rig joined the worldwide drilling fleet. The U.S. Gulf of Mexico rig count posted a net three-rig increase over last week. With 149 of the area's 195 mobile offshore drilling rigs now under contract, U.S. Gulf offshore rig utilization is 76.4 percent.

Offshore Rig Use Up

Worldwide offshore rig utilization climbed slightly the week ending March 9, according to ODS-Petrodata Group. Global rig utilization climbed 0.1 percent to 87.4percent, due to a one-rig net increase in contracted rigs, ODS reported. U.S. Gulf rig utilization was unchanged at 88.2 percent, with 186 out of the region's 211 mobile offshore rigs under contract. European offshore rig utilization decreased by 0.1 percent to 92

U.S. Offshore Rig Count Hits 17-Month High

The U.S. Gulf of Mexico rig count stands at 150 this week, its highest level since July of 1998. According to Offshore Data Services' weekly mobile offshore rig count, 150 of the 191 offshore rigs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico are under contract this week. U.S. Gulf mobile offshore rig utilization is 78.5 percent. The improved rig count has been driven primarily by strong domestic natural gas prices, however, natural gas prices have weakened in recent weeks

Offshore Rig Demand Rises In U.S., Falls In Europe

Rig demand increased in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and declined slightly in Europe, following a pattern that is likely to be repeated through the end of this year at least. According to Offshore Data Services' weekly mobile offshore rig count, the U.S. Gulf rig count increased by three rigs since last week. Today, 136 of the region's 187 mobile offshore drilling units are under contract and U.S. Gulf mobile offshore rig utilization is 72.7 percent.

U.S. Offshore Rig Demand Continues To Rise

The U.S. Gulf of Mexico offshore rig count is at its highest level in nearly a year, according to Offshore Data Services' weekly mobile offshore rig count. A four-rig increase in the U.S. Gulf rig count over last week boosted the count to 140, the highest level since October 16 of last year. The 187-rig U.S. Gulf drilling fleet's utilization rate is now 74.9 percent. As utilization approaches and then exceeds 80 percent, rig owners should benefit in the form of improving rig day rates.

Rowan Revises 3Q Business Outlook

With softness in the Gulf of Mexico and the U.S. apparently on the brink of war, Bob Palmer, Chairman and CEO of Rowan, said, "July earnings were better than expected and, through August, financial results were about as forecast. However, the outlook for September requires that we revise downward our 'best guess' for third quarter earnings to a range of 20-25 cents per share. "Rowan's offshore rig utilization for the third quarter is currently estimated to be 70%

Rowan Profits Jump in 3Q

Rowan Companies, Inc. said profit in the third quarter jumped 50% on overseas demand for its offshore oil rigs and drilling services. The Houston drilling contractor and equipment maker said profit in the three months ended Sept. 30 rose to $130.8m, or $1.16 a share, from $87m, or 78 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. Profit in the most recent quarter included a penny a share in gains on asset sales. Revenue rose 20% to $502.2m, short of the $530m anticipated by Wall Street.