A well drilled in an unproven or lightly tested area to determine whether hydrocarbons are present, often representing shorter-term, high-mobilisation contracts for subcontractors with less predictable follow-on work than development drilling programmes.
Exploration Well
Related Terms
Compression
IndustryThe mechanical process of increasing natural gas pressure for pipeline transport or storage. Subcontractors are frequently mobilised to install, maintain, or repair compressor units and associated equipment. Compression work is common in gas processing facilities, wellsites, and midstream pipeline operations.
Exploratory Well
IndustryA well drilled in an unproven area to determine whether hydrocarbons are present, typically representing higher-risk, shorter-duration work for subcontractors with less certainty of follow-on contracts compared to development drilling programmes. Field service companies should account for the speculative nature of these projects when negotiating mobilisation costs and contract terms.
CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)
IndustrySoftware used to schedule, track, and document equipment maintenance and work orders on job sites. Subcontractors often must log completed maintenance tasks directly into a client's CMMS. Accurate entries protect you during audits and support invoicing for billable maintenance work.
Straddle Plant
IndustryA midstream processing facility installed along an existing pipeline to extract natural gas liquids like propane and butane. Subcontractors are frequently mobilised for construction, maintenance, and turnaround work at these sites. Work scopes often include compression, refrigeration, and fractionation system servicing.
Balance-Of-Plant
IndustryAll supporting systems and infrastructure outside the primary process equipment, such as electrical, piping, HVAC, and civil works. For subcontractors, BOP (Balance-of-Plant) scope often represents the bulk of awarded field labour. Knowing what falls under BOP helps avoid scope gaps and missed bid items.
Battery Storage
IndustrySystems that store electrical energy on-site for use during peak demand or grid outages. Subcontractors increasingly deploy these on remote job sites to reduce generator fuel costs. They also support electrified equipment fleets and temporary power setups.
Latest Industry News
Invictus Energy Awards Wellpad, Rig Contracts for Zimbabwe Exploration Well
Invictus Energy has awarded wellpad construction and civil works contracts ahead of drilling the Musuma-1 exploration well in Zimbabwe, with rig contractor Exalo Drilling mobilizing to the site.
4 months agoIndustryJAPEX Spuds Deepwater Exploration Well Offshore Japan in Hunt for Natural Gas
Japanese oil and gas company JAPEX has begun drilling an offshore exploration well in the Hidaka area off Hokkaido, targeting natural gas resources in roughly 1,070 meters of water.
7 months agoIndustryChevron Lifts 2026 Exploration Budget 50% to Over $1.5B, Mostly Abroad
Chevron is raising exploration spending about 50% to more than $1.5 billion in 2026 and planning up to 20 exploration wells in 2027. Half the budget now goes to frontier basins, not the Gulf of Mexico or Permian.
8 days agoIndustryHalliburton, Eni Pair Rig Automation With MPD on Indonesia Deepwater Well
Halliburton and Eni combined full rig floor automation with managed pressure drilling on a deepwater exploration well offshore Indonesia, boosting efficiency by more than 15% in a narrow-margin operating environment.
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