21 Mar Oilandgas Energy News, Baker Hughes Rig Count: U.S. -1, Canada -20
(Oilandgaspress) U.S. Rig Count is down 1 from last week to 552 with oil rigs up 2 to 414, gas rigs down 2 to 131 and miscellaneous rigs down 1 to 7.
Canada Rig Count is down 20 from last week to 177 with oil rigs down 17 to 114, gas rigs down 2 to 63 and miscellaneous rigs down 1 to 0.
International Rig Count is up 33 from last month to 1,112 with land rigs up 25 to 873, offshore up 8 to 239.
International Rig Count is up 15 rigs from last year’s count of 1,097, with land rigs up 22 offshore rigs down 7.
| Region | Period | Rig Count | Change |
| U.S.A | 21 March 2026 | 552 | -1 |
| Canada | 21 March 2026 | 177 | -20 |
| International | February 2026 | 1,112 | +33 |
| Baker Hughes |
Dangote’s Nigerian oil refinery is facing a surge in demand from African governments scrambling to secure fuel supplies after the Iran war disrupted flows from the Middle East, which accounts for roughly three-quarters of refined-fuel imports to east and southern Africa. The 650,000-barrel-a-day Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has reportedly been approached by South Africa, Ghana, Kenya and several other countries, a company executive said. South Africa is seeking a standard 12-month supply contract with Nigeria, according to people familiar with the discussions who asked not to be identified because the talks are private. Related News
Viking® announced that the Viking Libra®, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions, was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Scheduled for delivery in November 2026, the Viking Libra will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
“The float out of the Viking Libra represents another milestone for Viking and our continued partnership with Fincantieri,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “From the beginning, our approach to ship design has focused on reducing fuel consumption, and the Viking Libra is our most environmentally friendly vessel yet. Investing in hydrogen was a principled choice for Viking, offering a true zero emission solution, and we look forward to welcoming the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship to our fleet.”
The float out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard and is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction. The float out of the Viking Libra began when a ceremonial cord was cut that signaled water to flow into the ship’s building dock. Following a two-day process that will set the Viking Libra afloat, she will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out. The ceremony was attended by Fincantieri’s Gilberto Tobaldi, Director of the Ancona Shipyard, as well as members of the Viking team, including Karine Hagen, Executive Vice President of Product, and Enrico Prunotto, Senior Vice President of Ocean Passenger Operations, who thanked the shipyard on behalf of Viking. Related News
The U.S. President on Friday called his NATO allies “cowards” for not responding to his call to provide security in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that saying that without America the alliance is a “paper tiger.”
Hours after Trump’s statement, the United Kingdom announced that it had authorised the use of its military bases for the US to carry out strikes on Iranian sites attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The agreement expands the previously agreed to conditions for use of its bases, which stated that American forces could use British bases for operations to prevent Iran firing missiles that put British interests or lives at risk. Related News
Governments are being urged to push remote working, reduce speed limits and encourage a shift towards public transport, alongside potential restrictions on car use in major cities, according to a report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), citing the “dramatic” disruption to global oil supplies due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The IEA describes the current disruption as the “largest supply shock in modern history”, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East that have effectively closed a vital trade passage, accounting for 20% of global oil production and transport, roughly 15 million barrels of crude oil and 5 million barrels of oil products.. Related News
Avangrid, Inc., a member of the Iberdrola Group, announced that it has surpassed 11 Gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity across its 25-state portfolio which includes nearly 100 operating U.S. energy projects. This milestone reflects Avangrid’s continued investment in U.S. energy generation while supporting the nation’s growing energy needs, bolstering regional economies, and empowering local communities. “Eclipsing 11 GW of installed capacity is a powerful demonstration of Avangrid’s long‑term commitment to meeting the nation’s growing energy needs with reliable, responsible generation,” said Avangrid CEO Jose Antonio Miranda. “This milestone reflects years of investment, operational excellence, and collaboration with communities across the U.S. Not only are we proud of the power our fleet delivers, but the impact that we make as a trusted member of every city, county, and township we operate in.” Related News
Avangrid, Inc.,announced that it has completed the installation of more than 250,000 American-made solar panels at its Tower Solar project in Morrow County, Oregon. The project’s solar panels were assembled domestically by SEG Solar at its new Houston manufacturing facility. Avangrid continues to work on other aspects of the project ahead of commercial operation expected later this year. The 166 MWdc (120 MWac) project will deliver energy to the Portland General Electric (PGE) power grid and help support a new QTS data center campus in the region. Tower Solar is located just west of Boardman, Oregon and sits on about 900 acres of industrially zoned land owned by the Port of Morrow. Avangrid created approximately 200 construction jobs that were filled mostly with regional union labor. Tower Solar is expected to pay about $20 million in combined PILOTs (payment in lieu of taxes) and property taxes which will support a variety of public services, including education.
Tower Solar will deliver electricity to PGE’s grid through Green Future Impact (GFI), a voluntary program designed to help large municipal, commercial, and industrial customers meet their ambitious sustainability and carbon reduction ambitions through the development of new clean energy facilities in the region. PGE’s GFI program lets large customers choose non-emitting energy without increasing costs for other customers. All customers benefit from the energy, but program participants pay the extra cost of the clean energy they select. Related News
Eurowind Energy to acquire Connected Wind Services Denmark from EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg, pending approval from competition authorities. The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. Connected Wind Services Denmark is said to be the largest independent provider of wind turbine maintenance services in Denmark, with an operational history exceeding 35 years. It manages approximately 1,000 wind turbines throughout the country and employs more than 100 technical and support staff.
The company offers services including maintenance, repairs and technical support to turbine owners, ensuring consistent electricity output from wind farms. Related News
Avangrid, Inc. announced it has been recognized as one of the 2026 World’s Most Ethical Companies ® by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices. Avangrid has been recognized eight years in a row and is one of only five honorees in the Energy & Utilities industry. “Being recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® for eight consecutive year is a powerful affirmation of who we are as a company,” said Jose Antonio Miranda, Avangrid CEO. “We are proud to be leading with the highest level of integrity as we drive the energy industry forward.” Related News
| Oil and Gas Blends | Units | Oil Price | Change |
| Crude Oil (WTI) Oilprice | USD/bbl | $98.23 | Down |
| Crude Oil (Brent) | USD/bbl | $112.20 | Down |
| Bonny Light 18/03/26 CBN | USD/bbl | $111.48 | — |
| Dubai | USD/bbl | $137.82 | Up |
| Natural Gas | USD/MMBtu | $3.09 | Down |
| Murban | USD/bbl | $146.40 | Up |
| OPEC basket 18/03/26 OPEC | USD/bbl | $135.06 | — |
| At press time March 21, 2026 |
The U.S. is trying to put together a coalition—Europe, Japan, Canada—to secure shipping lanes and keep tankers moving.. The U.S.has also announced.sanctions relief on stranded Iranian cargoes which could put oil back into Asian markets within days.
The Russian tanker damaged in a series of explosions, which has been drifting in the Mediterranean Sea for the past two weeks has reportedly entered Libya’s search and rescue zone and is headed towards the country, Italy’s civil protection agency said on Friday.
Since the vessel is now in Libya’s waters, any intervention would fall under the Libyan authorities, the agency said. Italy has offered its help if asked. Related News
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