Hess Corp. said net production from its acreage in the Bakken Shale increased substantially in the third quarter, and it expects the full-year 2020 total to exceed year-earlier levels as the company weathers the pandemic’s demand shocks.

Hess net income

The New York City-based independent said Wednesday Bakken net production rose 21% from a year earlier to 198,000 boe/d. That was above guidance of around 185,000 boe/d. The company cited increased wells online and improved well performance.

In the third quarter, Hess drilled six wells and brought 22 new wells online in the Bakken. For the fourth quarter, it expects to drill six wells and bring 11 wells online. For the full year, it estimated it would drill 70 wells and bring online 110 new wells in North Dakota.

The company expects Bakken...