Baker Hughes Incorporated announced that the U.S. onshore Well Count for the third quarter 2013 is 9,175 wells; up 164 wells or 2% from the revised 9,011 wells counted in the second quarter 2013. Compared to the third quarter 2012, the Well Count was down 236 wells or 3%. Due to improved drilling efficiencies, the average US onshore drilling rig is now producing 2% more wells, compared to only three months ago.

Compared to the second quarter 2013, the well count increased most notably in the Permian (up 66 wells or 3%), Williston (up 54 wells or 8%) and Eagle Ford (up 44 wells or 4%) basins. These increases were offset by reductions in the Fayetteville (down 35 wells or 18%) and Barnett (down 23 wells or 6%) basins.

The average US onshore Rig Count for the third quarter 2013 was unchanged from the previous quarter at 1,709 rigs. On average, the US onshore rig fleet produced 5.37 new wells during the third quarter, representing a 2% improvement in drilling efficiencies compared to the second quarter.

Continued improvement in drilling efficiencies during the third quarter drives U.S. well count higher, despite static rig count.

Permian, Williston, and Eagle Ford basins continue to be the most active areas in the U.S.

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