Worldwide/U.S. Gulf Rig Counts Rise

The U.S. Gulf of Mexico and worldwide offshore rig counts increased since last week, while the European offshore rig count was unchanged, according to Offshore Data Services' weekly mobile offshore rig count. The worldwide offshore rig count increased by five compared to last week. This week, 471 of world's 631 mobile offshore drilling units are under contract. Worldwide offshore rig utilization is 74.6 percent. The U.S. Gulf offshore rig count posted a three-rig increase on a week-to-week basis. The increase marks the fifth consecutive week that rig counts have increased in the region. In addition, two rigs mobilized to the area, putting the overall fleet at 188 rigs. With 135 rigs in the area under contract, U.S. Gulf rig utilization is 71.8 percent. European offshore rig utilization is unchanged from last week. This week, 82 of the 108 mobile offshore drilling rigs in the region are under contract. European offshore rig utilization is 74.2 percent.