Downstream

Structures used to drill for oil and gas, either onshore or offshore. For subcontractors, they are primary worksites where specialised services like maintenance, inspection, and equipment supply are contracted. Mobilisation requirements, safety certifications, and site access protocols vary significantly between rig types.

Cloud-based software you access via subscription instead of buying and installing it outright. For subcontractors, this covers tools like invoicing, scheduling, and compliance tracking platforms. You pay a recurring fee and can access the software from any jobsite device.

Offshore drilling operations conducted in water depths exceeding 1,500 metres. Subcontractors working these projects require specialised certifications, equipment ratings, and offshore survival training. Mobilisation costs and logistics complexity are significantly higher than shallow-water scopes.

The process of improving drilling speed, efficiency, and cost performance on a well. Subcontractors may be asked to adjust crew rotations, equipment deployment, or service timing to support optimisation targets. Faster drilling cycles can shorten contract durations, affecting your crew planning and invoicing schedules.

The process of connecting a power generation asset to the public electrical grid. For subcontractors, it triggers specific commissioning milestones, inspections, and sign-offs. Delays in interconnection approval can directly impact project timelines and invoicing.

The trucking of proppant (silica sand) from storage terminals to active frac sites. Subcontractors operate on tight dispatch schedules to maintain continuous sand supply during pumping operations. Contracts often include standby rates for wait time at the wellsite.

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.