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
Natural Decline Rate
IndustryThe rate at which a well's production drops over time without operator intervention. For subcontractors, this signals reduced worksite activity and fewer service calls as output falls. Anticipating decline helps crews and companies plan for shifting demand across a field.
COR (Certificate of Recognition)
IndustryA voluntary safety certification program in Canada that recognizes employers who have developed health and safety management systems that meet established standards. Required by many operators in Alberta and Western Canada.
Midstream
IndustryThe segment of the oil and gas industry involved in processing, storing, and transporting oil, gas, and NGLs. Includes pipelines, gathering systems, and processing plants.
BOEPD (Barrels of Oil Equivalent Per Day)
IndustryA standardised measure combining oil, gas, and NGL output into a single daily production figure. Operators use it to size contracts and scope field service requirements. Higher BOEPD targets typically mean more crews, equipment, and sustained subcontractor workload.
Feedgas
IndustryRaw natural gas supplied to a processing plant or facility for treatment and conditioning. Feedgas volumes and composition directly affect how long subcontractors are mobilised on-site. Changes to feedgas quality can trigger scope adjustments and additional service orders.
Antifriction Bearing
IndustryA bearing that uses rolling elements — balls or rollers — to reduce friction between moving parts. Common in pumps, motors, and rotating equipment on job sites. Subcontractors should inspect and replace these during scheduled maintenance to avoid unplanned downtime.
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.
3 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.
27 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 agoIndustryDOE's $1.9B Transmission Push Signals Near-Term Work for Line Crews
The Department of Energy will fund 31 grid-improvement projects worth $5.3 billion in combined spending, adding 23 GW of capacity and generating reconductoring and substation work across multiple states.
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.
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