A system used to boost production from oil wells that lack sufficient natural pressure to bring fluids to surface. Common methods include rod pumps, ESPs (Electric Submersible Pumps), and gas lift. Subcontractors are often mobilised to install, service, or troubleshoot these systems throughout a well's producing life.
Artificial Lift
Related Terms
Subcontractor
IndustryA company hired by a general contractor or directly by an operator to perform a specific portion of work. Subcontractors often specialize in particular services or trades.
Gigafactory
IndustryA large-scale manufacturing facility producing batteries or energy components, often for EV or renewable projects. These sites generate major subcontracting opportunities in electrical, civil, and mechanical trades. Expect large crew mobilisations, tight schedules, and industrial construction workflows.
SAGD (Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage)
IndustryA heavy oil extraction method using paired horizontal wells where steam is injected into the upper well to heat bitumen, allowing it to drain by gravity to the lower production well. Creates specialized maintenance and service opportunities for subcontractors in steam generation equipment, wellhead systems, and pipeline infrastructure at oil sands operations.
ISNetworld
IndustryA contractor management platform used by operators to verify that subcontractors meet safety, insurance, and compliance requirements before being allowed to work on sites. Maintaining ISNetworld compliance is essential for subcontractors working with major operators.
TVD (True Vertical Depth)
IndustryThe straight-line vertical distance from surface to a specific point in a wellbore, regardless of how the well is drilled — subcontractors working on directional or horizontal wells need to reference TVD (not measured depth) when scoping equipment reach, calculating hydrostatic pressures, or verifying work zone depths on service orders.
500-Kv Transmission Line
IndustryA high-voltage power line carrying 500 kilovolts, typically built to move bulk electricity across long distances. Subcontractors on these projects must hold specialised high-voltage certifications and follow strict safety exclusion zones. Work scopes often include tower erection, conductor stringing, and ground grid installation.
Latest Industry News
Prospera Energy to present heavy oil strategies at industry conferences
Saskatchewan heavy oil producer invited to speak at SPE and Artificial Lift conferences on legacy asset optimization and production enhancement techniques.
2 months ago IndustryBlue Chip MRC and Knight Measurement Form 50/50 Controls Partnership in Alberta
Blue Chip MRC & Field Services and Knight Measurement have launched Blue Chip Controls, a 50/50 partnership offering integrated electrical, instrumentation, and environmental compliance services across Western Canada.
20 hours ago IndustryDuke Energy, Evergy, and Dominion Push 3.3 GW of Combined-Cycle Gas Projects Forward
Three major utilities have announced construction milestones for combined-cycle natural gas plants in Indiana, Kansas, and South Carolina, totaling more than 3.3 GW of new capacity and signaling significant subcontract opportunities ahead.
20 hours ago IndustryEnbridge's $1.2 Billion Wyoming Solar Project Shows Big Tech Is Now Driving Energy Infrastructure
Enbridge is developing the 365-MW Cowboy Project in Wyoming to power Meta data centers, a $1.2 billion solar-plus-storage build that signals hyperscale tech demand is reshaping how major energy infrastructure gets planned and built.
20 hours agoRelated Guides
How Operator Mergers and Acquisitions Affect Your Subcontract Agreements
When operators merge, get acquired, or sell assets, subcontractor agreements are caught in the middle. Learn how M&A activity affects your MSA, payment terms, vendor status, and what to do before, during, and after a deal closes.
Industry GuideHow Rig Count Trends Affect Subcontractor Demand and What to Do About It
Rig counts are the earliest signal of where field service work is heading. Learn how to read drilling activity trends, anticipate demand shifts, and position your crew before the phone stops ringing.
Industry GuideWhat Is an AFE in Oil and Gas and How Does It Affect Subcontractor Payments?
An AFE (Authorization for Expenditure) controls every dollar spent on an oilfield project. Learn how it affects your billing, change orders, and cash flow as a subcontractor.
Stay sharp on field operations
Industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe to FieldNews