Structures used to drill for oil and gas, either onshore or offshore. For subcontractors, they are primary worksites where specialised services like maintenance, inspection, and equipment supply are contracted. Mobilisation requirements, safety certifications, and site access protocols vary significantly between rig types.
Oil Rigs
Related Terms
Utility Boring
IndustryA trenchless drilling method used to install underground conduits, pipelines, or cables beneath roads, rivers, or structures. Subcontractors are often hired for utility boring to minimise surface disruption on job sites. Scopes typically include equipment mobilisation, bore path planning, and spoil disposal.
OSHA
IndustryOccupational Safety and Health Administration. The US federal agency responsible for workplace safety regulations. Compliance with OSHA standards is required for contractors working in the United States.
Directional Drilling
IndustryA drilling technique used to steer a wellbore along a non-vertical path to reach a target zone. Subcontractors supporting these operations often require specialised tooling, MWD (Measurement While Drilling) equipment, and certified directional hands. Scopes can shift quickly, so flexible crew and equipment mobilisation is essential.
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.
Mobilization/Demobilization
IndustryThe process of moving equipment and personnel to a job site (mobilization) and returning them afterward (demobilization). Often billed as separate line items.
Upstream
IndustryThe segment of the oil and gas industry involved in exploration and production (E&P). Includes drilling, completions, and well operations.
Latest Industry News
US Rig Count Climbs for Third Straight Week, Hits 580 Ahead of July 4th
Baker Hughes reports the U.S. oil and gas rig count rose by seven to 580 in the week to July 2, its highest total since May 2025, with oil rigs leading the gain.
5 days ago IndustryCanadian Rig Counts Climb Above Five-Year Seasonal Highs on Oil and Gas Strength
Canadian active drilling rigs hit 191 as of mid-June 2026, above the prior five-year seasonal high of 170, with oil rigs at 129 and gas rigs at 57, both outpacing every comparable week from 2021 to 2025.
24 days ago IndustryADF Group Lines Up $27.5M in Financing for Quebec Steel Plant Upgrades
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