A well that is drilled vertically to a certain depth then curved to run horizontally through a target formation, requiring subcontractors to mobilise specialised equipment and crews for extended-reach drilling, completions, and stimulation work that typically involves more complex logistics and longer on-site durations than conventional vertical wells.
Horizontal Well
Related Terms
Waterflood
IndustryA secondary recovery method where water is injected into a reservoir to push remaining oil toward producing wells. Subcontractors support waterflood projects through injection well services, pump maintenance, and water handling infrastructure. Work scope can be long-term, offering stable recurring contracts.
Laydown Area
IndustryA designated yard space on a jobsite used to store, stage, and organise equipment, pipe, or materials. Subcontractors are often assigned a specific laydown area to manage their tools and gear. Access and cleanliness standards are typically enforced by the prime contractor or owner.
Life Extension Drydock
IndustryA scheduled out-of-water inspection and refit that extends a vessel's certified operational life beyond its original design limit. For subcontractors, it signals a concentrated burst of multi-trade work including hull repairs, coating, and systems upgrades. Scopes are often fast-tracked, creating strong short-term demand for specialised labour and materials.
Bbl/d (barrels Per Day)
IndustryA measure of how much oil a well or facility produces daily. Operators use Bbl/d targets to schedule field service crews and equipment. Higher Bbl/d often means more maintenance contracts and longer mobilisation windows for subcontractors.
Tunnel Liner
IndustryA structural shell installed inside a bored tunnel to support surrounding soil or rock and maintain bore integrity. Subcontractors installing liners must meet strict tolerances and inspection hold points. Work is often sequenced tightly with boring crews, requiring close schedule coordination.
Gas Processing Plant
IndustryFacility that strips raw natural gas of water, impurities and natural gas liquids before pipeline transport. Subcontractors here handle instrumentation, mechanical and electrical work under strict process safety rules. Turnarounds at these plants often mean tight schedules and large multi-crew mobilizations.
Latest Industry News
Permian Judge Rules Old Lease Agreements Control Horizontal Wells Drilled Across Legacy Boundaries
A Midland court ruling that legacy oilfield contracts govern horizontal wells could reshape how subcontractors interpret surface access rights, easement terms, and contract scope across the Permian Basin.
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Arrow Exploration is moving toward horizontal drilling at its Mateguafa field in Colombia after the M-11 well confirmed oil-bearing sands in two Carbonera formations, extending the field to the south and unlocking additional development targets.
4 months agoIndustryAGC Presses Congress to Pass $580B Highway Bill Before Sept. 30 Cliff
The Associated General Contractors warns that the BUILD America 250 Act, a five-year, $580-billion transportation bill, must clear Congress before the current authorization expires Sept. 30 or risk stalling highway and bridge work nationwide.
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Bally's has ordered a construction stand-down on hotel and amenity work at its $1.7B Chicago casino complex, citing a dispute with the city over video gaming terminal legalization that has idled 1,500 union trade workers.
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