Greenfield Construction

A multi-well drilling campaign where several wells are drilled from a single surface location. For subcontractors, it means extended continuous work with predictable scheduling across sequential well builds. Expect high mobilisation value but tight coordination between crews and trades.

The process of separating raw natural gas into sellable components like propane, butane, and ethane at a processing facility. Subcontractors often support fractionation plants through instrumentation, maintenance, and turnaround work. Understanding the process helps crews align their scope with plant operating priorities.

A well that has been drilled but is awaiting completion work such as fracturing, perforating, or production tie-in. Operators stockpile DUCs when commodity prices are low, then activate them when prices recover. For subcontractors, a large DUC inventory signals upcoming bursts of completion and surface work.

Work performed at isolated locations far from urban centres, such as camps, wellsites, or pipeline corridors. Subcontractors must self-manage logistics, including equipment, consumables, and crew rotations. Mobilisation costs and travel time significantly affect how contracts should be priced.

A project phase where construction work is ongoing while equipment or materials are still in transit to the site. Subcontractors must coordinate mobilisation and scope carefully to avoid costly downtime waiting on delayed deliveries. Billing milestones and crew schedules should account for this overlap.

A contract awarded directly to one subcontractor without a competitive bidding process. Operators use this when your firm has specialised expertise, proprietary equipment, or an urgent mobilisation is required. It can mean faster contract execution but often comes with tighter scope and pricing scrutiny.

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.