Montney (shale Formation)

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.

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.

A rock formation made of compacted sediment fragments — like sandstone or conglomerate — that holds oil or gas. Most drilling and completions work in Western Canada targets clastic reservoirs. Knowing the formation type helps crews anticipate ground conditions and equipment requirements.

Natural gas trapped in low-permeability rock formations that require hydraulic fracturing or horizontal drilling to extract. For subcontractors, tight gas projects typically involve intensive well stimulation work and longer mobilisation cycles. Expect higher equipment demands and specialised crew certifications on these sites.

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.

A thermal imaging inspection using IR (Infrared) cameras to detect heat anomalies in equipment, piping, or electrical systems. Subcontractors use these surveys to identify leaks, insulation failures, or overloaded components without shutting down operations. Clients often require certified IR thermographers, so confirm crew credentials before mobilising.

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.