Rig Utilization Up In GOM

Worldwide offshore rig utilization fell slightly during the week ending January 12, but ticked higher in the U.S. Gulf, according to Offshore Data Services (ODS). The number of worldwide mobile offshore drilling rigs under contract fell by one to 556 of the world's 648. Worldwide offshore rig utilization fell to 85.8 percent. The number of rigs being used in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico fell to 179 under contract out of 208, with utilization down to 86.1 percent. The European offshore rig count remained unchanged for the fifth consecutive week. It stood at 88 of the 101 mobile offshore drilling rigs in the region under contract, with utilization at 87.1 percent, ODS said. ODS' total worldwide offshore rig count includes changes in utilization and fleet size in regions beyond just the Gulf of Mexico and Europe.