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
Carbon Capture
IndustryThe process of collecting and storing CO2 emissions from industrial sites before they reach the atmosphere. For subcontractors, it means growing work opportunities in facility retrofits, pipeline installation, and compression equipment servicing. Familiarity with CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) infrastructure is increasingly expected on energy transition projects.
Long-Lead Items
IndustryEquipment or materials requiring extended procurement timelines, often months ahead of project start. Subcontractors must identify these early to avoid costly schedule delays. Late orders can stall mobilisation and trigger liquidated damages clauses.
Shaker Screen
IndustryA mesh filter used in drilling operations to separate rock cuttings and solids from drilling fluid (mud). Subcontractors handling fluid management or solids control equipment must monitor screen condition closely. Worn or damaged screens reduce efficiency and can trigger costly downtime charges.
MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum)
IndustryA measure of a facility's annual production or processing capacity, expressed in millions of tonnes. Larger MTPA ratings typically signal longer project durations and higher subcontractor labour demand. Knowing a site's MTPA helps field service companies anticipate scope size and resource requirements.
Directional Drilling
IndustryA drilling technique used to steer a wellbore along a non-vertical path to reach a target zone. Subcontractors supporting these operations often require specialised tooling, MWD (Measurement While Drilling) equipment, and certified directional hands. Scopes can shift quickly, so flexible crew and equipment mobilisation is essential.
Screen Media
IndustryThe replaceable filtering surfaces installed in vibratory shakers and separators on drilling and processing sites. Types include wire mesh, polyurethane, and rubber panels, each suited to different material grades. Subcontractors are often responsible for sourcing, swapping, and disposing of worn screen media during 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.
1 month 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.
4 months agoIndustryPURIS Expands Water Infrastructure Platform With Amici Acquisition
PURIS LLC has acquired Florida-based Amici Engineering Contractors, adding underground water and utility infrastructure capabilities including horizontal directional drilling to its national platform, Trenchless Technology reports.
13 hours agoIndustryTexas Data Center Freeze Threatens 20% of US Buildout, BNEF Says
Bloomberg NEF estimates Texas's grid interconnection pause on data centers puts roughly 20% of the US data center pipeline, nearly 49.8 GW, at risk of delay, with billions in revenue exposure.
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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?
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