U.S. GULF OF MEXICO RIG COUNT CLIMBS TO 38.9 PCT
Utilization of offshore mobile rigs in
the Gulf of Mexico climbed by 2.1 pct last week to 38.9 pct,
reflecting a total of 91 working rigs, Offshore Data Services
said.
    One year ago, the Gulf of Mexico utilization rate was 32.5
pct. Offshore Data Services said some drilling contractors had
reported recent increases of about 1,000 dlrs a day on large
jackup rigs, which now command rates of 11,000 to 12,000 dlrs a
day.
    In the European/Mediterranean area the rig utilization rate
rose 0.6 pct to 53.6 pct, against 67.3 pct one year ago.
    Worldwide rig utilization rose by 1.2 pct to 57.7 pct,
reflecting a net increase of eight working rigs. Offshore Data
Services said a total of 419 rigs were in use worldwide and 307
were idled last week.
 Reuter
