The Marcellus shale formation is now the most productive shale formation in the country, according to a recent analysis by IHS.

The report says that due to recent pipeline expansions, the Marcellus shale play reached a production rate of 7 billion cubic feed (BFC) day. That rate surpasses the production of the Haynesville shale in Arkansas.

Though the number of rigs running in 2012 fell by one third throughout the year, the Marcellus still has more gas rigs than any other U.S. shale play. According to the report, the top five counties for shale development are Bradford, Lycoming, Susquehanna, Tioga and Washington. 

Good investments?

Two companies made an impression on IHS: Range Resources and Cabot Oil & Gas. Range Resources drilled Pennsylvania’s first horizontal well in 2006.

Read it:

“Both companies have dramatically improved their operational metric by investing heavily in the Marcellus over the last few years. Other companies, however, have yet to realize their full potential in the play, noted the IHS Herold Marcellus Shale Company Play Analysis. “

» Via: IHS › Marcellus now largest U.S. natural gas producing play, surpasses Haynesville