Opec+ (organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Plus)

A large land rig capable of drilling deep wells, typically over 5,000 metres. It requires specialised subcontractors and larger crews than smaller single or double rigs. Expect higher equipment and certification requirements when bidding on triple rig projects.

A formal document a subcontractor submits to a prime contractor or operator to express intent to bid on upcoming work. It is not a binding commitment, but helps secure a spot in the tender process. Common in pre-qualification stages for large oilfield or construction scopes.

The horizontal distance drilled from the kickoff point to the end of a wellbore, typically measured in metres. Longer laterals mean more stages, more equipment, and extended crew time on location. Subcontractors should factor lateral length into job costing and resource planning.

Crushed stone, gravel, and sand used as base materials in construction and oil and gas site preparation. Subcontractors sourcing or hauling aggregates must account for material costs, transport, and site access conditions. Pricing and availability vary significantly by region and project remoteness.

Standard unit for measuring natural gas volumes, equal to 1,000 cubic feet. Subcontractors use MCF to interpret production targets, scope work, and align service pricing on gas well projects. Billing rates and throughput bonuses are often tied directly to MCF volumes.

An older well built to outdated standards that may require specialised remediation, abandonment, or workover services. Subcontractors should expect non-standard equipment configurations and additional compliance requirements. Scope creep and unforeseen costs are common on legacy well projects.

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.