2017 CAODC Drilling Forecast

For Immediate Release: November 22, 2016

CAODC announces the release of its 2017 Drilling Forecast

    Projected 2017 wells drilled: 4,665—an increase of 1,103 from 2016 (3,562)
    Projected 2017 operating days: 48,980—an increase of 8,577 from 2016 (40,403)
    Rig fleet expected to decrease by 55 (665 drilling rigs to 610 drilling rigs)
    Saskatchewan to lead recovery efforts

After record low utilization rates in 2016, it would be difficult to suggest 2017 could be anything but better. Weak commodity prices coupled with abnormal political and social factors, has led to sustained challenges for the industry. While the price of WTI is projected to stabilize somewhat, continued uncertainty surrounding pipeline infrastructure, and a looming price on carbon, continue to push Canada to the back of the line with respect to long-term investment.

After 24 months of record-low activity, hundreds of thousands of layoffs, and an exodus of skilled labour, CAODC President Mark Scholz questions the timing and effectiveness of recent policy decisions that would make the Canadian oil and gas industry even less attractive. “We continue to urge our governments at both the provincial and federal level to consider the impact of a carbon tax and lack of pipelines on the people and families in our industry. Canadians expect their government to attract jobs and investment during difficult economic times, not push them away,” states Scholz.

CAODC sees low activity continuing through all four quarters in 2017, with a modest improvement in the number of wells drilled. The forecasted rig count will remain near historical lows but the well count is predicted to be slightly higher in Saskatchewan. “We are expecting a 4 per cent increase in rig utilization with a rig fleet that continues to decrease. Activity is moving in the right direction, but we’re still in a depressed and desperate economic environment,” cautions Scholz.

Scholz also emphasizes the same point made in last year’s forecast regarding the important role provincial and federal governments play in these difficult times. “In order to achieve a healthy oil and gas industry, governments must ensure its fiscal policies are competitive, predictable, and consider the cumulative costs of doing business in Canada versus other global jurisdictions.”

-30-

The Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC) represents Canada’s drilling and service rig industry.

For more information, contact:

John Bayko
Vice President, Communications
Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors
Suite 2050, 717-7 Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 0Z3
Phone: 403 264 4311 ext. 120
Email: jbayko@caodc.ca