The process of safely shutting down and dismantling oil and gas infrastructure at end-of-life. For subcontractors, it generates significant work in removal, remediation, and site restoration. Scopes often include demolition, equipment salvage, and regulatory closeout tasks.
Decommissioning
Related Terms
Montney (shale Formation)
IndustryA major tight gas and liquids-rich formation spanning northeastern British Columbia and northwestern Alberta. It is one of Canada's most active drilling regions, generating sustained demand for well service, completions, and civil contractors. Subcontractors working here should expect multi-well pad programmes and remote site logistics.
Rigging
IndustryThe equipment and techniques used to lift, secure, and move heavy loads on a job site. Subcontractors must ensure all rigging gear is certified and operators are ticketed. Improper rigging is a leading cause of serious incidents and contract liability.
Tie-In
IndustryA tie-in is the physical connection of new pipeline or equipment to an existing operational system. For subcontractors, tie-in work often requires strict scheduling around shutdowns and may involve additional safety and permitting requirements. Scope changes during tie-ins can affect billing, so clear change-order terms are essential.
Behind-The-Meter
IndustryRefers to power generation or energy systems located on a client's side of the utility connection point. For subcontractors, this often means working on site-owned generators, solar arrays, or battery storage on industrial or remote worksites. Scopes here fall outside utility jurisdiction, affecting permitting and inspection requirements.
Tank Farm
IndustryA designated site containing multiple large storage tanks for oil, gas, or chemicals. Subcontractors frequently perform inspection, maintenance, and cleaning work at these facilities. Access permits and confined space certifications are typically required on site.
Upstream
IndustryThe segment of the oil and gas industry involved in exploration and production (E&P). Includes drilling, completions, and well operations.
Latest Industry News
EnerMech Completes Gulf of Mexico Pipeline Flushing Work for Subsea7 Decommissioning Program
EnerMech has finished a deepwater pipeline flushing and cleaning project for Subsea7 in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, achieving hydrocarbon-free status as part of a broader offshore field decommissioning campaign.
2 months agoComplianceCSB Update: Fatal H2S Release at WV Refiner Tied to Missing Decommissioning Procedures
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board's ongoing probe into a fatal April 2026 hydrogen sulfide release at Catalyst Refiners in Institute, West Virginia, found workers lacked gas monitors and proper respirator filters during decommissioning work.
18 days agoIndustryCB&I Closes Petrofac Asset Solutions Deal, Adding 3,000 Workers and O&M Capabilities
CB&I has completed its acquisition of Petrofac's Asset Solutions business, bringing approximately 3,000 employees and a broad range of operations, maintenance, wells, and decommissioning services into the fold.
5 months agoIndustryEPA's Power Plant GHG Repeal Opens Door to Gas Generation Boom
EPA's Sept. 14 repeal of Biden-era greenhouse-gas rules for power plants removes a major cost and compliance barrier for new gas-fired capacity, setting up a wave of plant development as electricity demand from data centers surges.
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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.
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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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