Marcellus, Haynesville Activity Down as U.S. Rig Count Eases Lower

Amid declining activity in the natural gas-heavy Marcellus and Haynesville shales, the U.S. rig count fell two units to 254 for the week ending Friday (Sept. 11), according to updated figures from oilfield services (OFS) provider Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

The United States dropped one oil-directed rig and natural gas-directed rig overall during the week, finishing 632 units behind the 886 rigs active at this time last year. 

Land drilling declined by two units, while the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) held steady at 15 rigs. The number of horizontal rigs fell sharply during the week, with six units packing up shop. That was partially offset by the addition of three vertical units and one directional rig, according to BKR.

The Canadian rig count finished unchanged at 52, down from 134...