Scrollers...Pioneer's big walking rigs...Bakken Shale, North Dakota

Pioneer E.S. Rig #75 Driller Cody Kloeckl at the controls.

Here's an idea for the North Dakota Division of Tourism. When they get a request from tourists asking the best route to see North Dakota, just give them a map to a few of Pioneer Energy Services drilling rigs and tell them to start driving. I can promise they will see North Dakota and some of Montana before that drive is finished. I had no idea North Dakota was so big. 

Pioneer Energy Services Drilling Rig # 76,  Jan. 2013, Bakken Shale, Near Williston, North Dakota 

They say there is no such thing as weather in the oilfield. By that I mean the work must go on no matter how hot or cold. Rain or shine, snow or blow, it makes no difference. 

Pioneer E.S. Rig #75 floor  crew L to R Russel Leitheiser, Kevin Charboneau and Dale Leitheiser

Well I am here to tell you the show does go on. Just like with everyone else out there, once on location with the camera at ready, past the introductions, safety drill etc. it becomes all about the rig and the men making it dance. And just like the rest of the crew I become absorbed in the rhythm of the work.

Pioneer Energy Services Rig #75 in the Bakken Shale with Driller Cody Kloeckl in communication with his crew.

These new Bakken Pioneer units are called "walking rigs". That's because when moved the few feet between holes they seem to actually walk. 

Unfortunately, I haven't seen the process but I'm looking forward to it. 

I have seen the results of this methodology. As I understand it the industry needed the ability to drill several holes in very close proximity to each other. 

Pioneer E.S. Rig #75 floor professionals L-R Russel Leitheiser, Kevin Charboneau and Dale Leitheiser

This requires less trucking and allows the drillers to drill a series of holes on the same pad thereby saving a ton of infrastructure cost as well. 

I think it is a result of shale formation but then I'm just the photographer and should't be trusted explaining this sort of information. Immediately below is a picture illustrating the end results of this "walking" rig process.

These pump jacks were about twenty feet apart a result of utilizing one of the new "walking rigs".

The last time I heard, Pioneer Energy Services, Williston, had taken delivery and was operating at least ten of these big "walking" rigs. 

I think they have more on order or in the shipping process but I don't know how many. I do know the rigs are in great demand.

To learn more about rates and availability you can call the Williston office at 701-774-2071. The folks there can answer any questions. For even more news about the entire company you can go to the web site by clicking on 

                                     Pioneer site

Lest I forget, I want to thank Drilling Boss Skip Locken for the loan of some really warm protective FR overalls and for being his super organized self. He's a good guy to work with and I hear he's a fair ranch hand. 

Mike Heifort, the drilling superintendent was kind enough to guide me around that first gray morning. Then when I really needed a rig guide, up stepped the guy who can find anything, including good places to eat in the middle of an oil boom, Bobby Anderson, the "super safety dude". 

Pioneer E.S. Rig #75 floor pro Kevin Charboneau.

Bobby and I had a good tour of North Dakota and even a visit or two to Montana during our two days of travels. I was fortunate to have a safety expert with me. He probably kept me out of more trouble than I know. 

When shooting rigs one has to be reminded the "iron" is only a part of the drilling process. Without the men and women the rigs don't do diddly. It is my privilege to capture the images of the people who are providing our nation with it's energy. I agree with the common sense idea of converting our vehicles and power plants to run on our own natural gas. It's not like it's a new or unheard idea. My father ran a 57 Studebaker pickup on his rural mail route, powered by a big "propane" tank in the back of the truck. He got great gas mileage and paid less for the fuel.

The heck with the middle east and all the problems that come with that situation. Our fields and industry members like Pioneer Energy Services can solve that problem in no time. We just need to get government out of the way and get on with it. 

What you will find here are pictures of Pioneer's big rigs in the frozen lands of North Dakota during one week of January of 2013. You will also see what I consider true portraits of the men who work in the Bakken. 

I enjoyed working with these folks and sincerely hope I have captured fitting portraits of the men and their rigs. 

I hope you enjoy the pictures.....

This article brought to you by the usual suspect @:

                              John B. Boykin 

                        "The Hard Hat Photographer"

        Photography and Media Relations

                               click for web site

    San Antonio        Midland         Williston         The World

Life's purpose is not to arrive at the grave in good shape, but rather to slide in sideways, totally worn out, eyes bloodshot, hair smoking  hollering "Holy Crap !! ...What a ride!"