Fixed Equipment

Refers to offshore oil and gas operations conducted in water depths exceeding 300 metres, where subcontractors and field service crews must hold specialised certifications, work within stricter regulatory frameworks, and often face extended mobilisation timelines and higher equipment day-rates.

A maintenance approach that uses equipment data and monitoring to forecast failures before they occur. Subcontractors may be dispatched for targeted repairs based on sensor alerts rather than fixed schedules. This reduces emergency callouts and helps crews plan mobilisation more efficiently.

A facility that moves oil, gas, or water through a pipeline using mechanical pumps. Subcontractors are frequently mobilised to pump stations for maintenance, inspection, and equipment servicing work. These sites often require specific safety certifications and site orientations before work begins.

The process of running a device called a pig through a pipeline to clean, inspect, or displace fluids. Subcontractors are often hired to provide pig launcher and receiver equipment, operators, and associated support services. Pigging scopes can range from routine maintenance runs to complex inline inspection campaigns.

An LNTP (Limited Notice to Proceed) authorises subcontractors to begin a defined scope of work before the full contract is executed. It typically covers early mobilisation, procurement, or site prep activities up to a specified dollar limit. Work performed beyond that limit is at the subcontractor's own risk until full NTP is issued.

Pressure or leak testing performed on pipelines, vessels, or equipment to confirm structural soundness before operations begin. Subcontractors are often scoped specifically for this work as a standalone service. Clients may require certified personnel and documented results before approving system start-up.

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.

How 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.

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.