The phase of oil and gas well development after drilling is finished, encompassing the work required to prepare a well for production — including perforating, fracturing, and installing wellhead equipment. For subcontractors, completions represent a concentrated burst of high-demand field work where specialised crews, equipment, and services are mobilised under tight timelines.
Completions
Related Terms
Dry Dock
IndustryA scheduled period when a marine vessel is removed from service for inspection, repairs, or maintenance. For subcontractors, dry dock signals a concentrated burst of work — hull cleaning, mechanical repairs, and compliance checks. Scope can be substantial, so resource planning and contract clarity are critical.
ERCIP (Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program)
IndustryA U.S. Department of Defense funding programme for energy resilience projects on military installations. Subcontractors often access this work through prime contractors on federally funded construction or energy retrofit scopes. Understanding ERCIP helps field service firms identify bid opportunities in government energy infrastructure.
Lateral Length
IndustryThe horizontal distance drilled from the kickoff point to the end of a wellbore, typically measured in metres. Longer laterals mean more stages, more equipment, and extended crew time on location. Subcontractors should factor lateral length into job costing and resource planning.
Dewatered Sand
IndustrySand or granular material that has had excess water removed, typically through drainage or mechanical separation on site. Subcontractors handling dewatered sand face stricter disposal and hauling requirements than wet slurry. Confirm moisture content specs before mobilising equipment or quoting removal work.
Cable-Stayed Bridge
IndustryA bridge structure where the deck is supported directly by cables anchored to vertical towers. Subcontractors working these sites face complex rigging, height work, and strict load management requirements. Specialised certifications for working at elevation are typically required.
High-Temperature Creep
IndustryThe slow, permanent deformation of metal components under sustained stress at elevated temperatures. Subcontractors must watch for creep in pressure vessels, piping, and structural welds during high-heat operations. Missed signs can lead to equipment failure, costly shutdowns, and liability exposure.
Latest Industry News
Mi4's RigReports Brings Drilling, Completions and Workover Data onto One Platform
Mi4's cloud-based RigReports application centralizes daily drilling reports, completions, workover and facility job data in a single platform, aiming to cut administrative overhead for operators.
5 months agoIndustryFreshet Systems Launches 30,000 m³ Modular Frac Water Storage Tank Targeting Modern Completions Scale
Alberta startup Freshet Systems has introduced a modular above-ground water storage system capable of 20,000 to 50,000 m³, designed to bridge the gap between small temporary tanks and costly permanent reservoirs in hydraulic fracturing operations.
3 months agoIndustryRecord-Low DUC Backlog Signals New Drilling, Not Completions, Will Drive Shale Output
U.S. shale producers are sitting on a record-low inventory of drilled-but-uncompleted wells, limiting their ability to quickly ramp output as exports and refinery demand surge.
3 months agoIndustryTalos Energy advances Gulf of Mexico drilling with new well completions and appraisal plans
Talos Energy drilled the CPN well in Q1 2026 with production expected in H2 2026, while planning a Daenerys appraisal well for Q2 2026 in the US Gulf of Mexico.
6 months 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.
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