BPD (Barrels Per Day)

A drilled or excavated hole through soil, rock, or existing structure. Subcontractors are often scoped to complete a specified number of bores per shift. Bore diameter and depth directly affect equipment selection and crew sizing.

Specialised drilling support that steers a wellbore along a planned trajectory rather than straight down. Subcontractors provide MWD (Measurement While Drilling) tools, mud motors, and on-site directional drillers. These crews are typically mobilised on a per-well basis under dedicated service contracts.

An existing facility or infrastructure that is being modified, expanded, or recommissioned rather than built from scratch. Subcontractors should expect tighter work windows, live-equipment hazards, and strict permit-to-work requirements. Scheduling and coordination with ongoing operations are critical on brownfield projects.

A government strategy supporting oil, gas, renewables, and nuclear simultaneously rather than picking one energy source. For subcontractors, it means diversified project opportunities across multiple energy sectors. Crews and companies that can work across sectors gain a competitive advantage in bidding.

A foundation pile driven or screwed into soil without removing material, pushing ground laterally to create a tight fit. Common in oil and gas facility and construction site foundations. Subcontractors should confirm soil displacement specs early, as ground conditions directly affect equipment selection and crew scheduling.

A company hired to deliver a project from design through build, acting as the main contractor above subcontractors. As a subcontractor, your client and contract holder is typically the EPC, not the asset owner. They control scope, scheduling, and invoice approval on site.

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.

How 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.

What 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.