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2025 NOV Rig Census shows global drilling industry shift toward efficiency, consolidation
Drilling Contractor magazine, November 2025
Jan 16, 2026
The following is an excerpt from a December 2025 article in The Drilling Contractor
Macroeconomic headwinds, shifting regional demand and a shrinking pool of modern rigs define a leaner, more disciplined industry
The 2025 NOV Rig Census reflects a drilling industry adapting to shifting market conditions. Rising oil supply from OPEC+, softer demand growth and economic uncertainty slowed recent momentum, particularly offshore, while the onshore North American market continued its shift toward efficiency and high-specification capacity.
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