HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling)

A formal partnership between two or more subcontractors or service companies to pursue work neither could win alone. Partners typically share resources, certifications, or regional coverage. Common in large oil & gas projects requiring diverse scopes under one bid.

A contractual obligation by a producer or operator to move a set volume of product through a pipeline over a defined period. These agreements often drive project timelines and mobilisation schedules for field service subcontractors. Steady shipper commitments signal stable, longer-term work opportunities in a given region.

The maximum volume of work, materials, or product a crew or operation can process within a given timeframe. For subcontractors, it determines how many jobs or units can be delivered without bottlenecks. Knowing your throughput capacity helps with accurate bidding and resource planning.

A measure of annual production or throughput capacity at LNG, mining, or pipeline facilities. Subcontractors use it to gauge project scale and estimate long-term scope of maintenance or construction work. Higher MMtpa ratings typically signal larger crews, longer contracts, and more equipment requirements.

A long-term contract where a subcontractor provides scheduled upkeep and repairs on a client's major assets or facilities. Work scopes, pricing, and mobilisation terms are typically locked in advance. These agreements offer subcontractors predictable revenue but may limit flexibility to take on other work.

A secondary or auxiliary dock located away from a main terminal, used to load or offload vessels at remote points along a waterway. Subcontractors may be mobilised specifically to satellite jetties for marine construction, maintenance, or material handling work. Access and logistics can differ significantly from main terminals, affecting crew scheduling and equipment mobilisation.

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.