The percentage of time a rig is actively working versus sitting idle. For subcontractors, high rig utilisation means steady billable hours and predictable revenue. Low utilisation signals contract gaps that strain cash flow and crew retention.
Rig Utilization
Related Terms
Run/repair/replace
IndustryA decision-making framework used to evaluate whether aging or damaged equipment should continue operating, be repaired, or be swapped out entirely. Subcontractors are often called in to assess assets and execute whichever option the client authorises. Understanding this process helps field crews scope work accurately and avoid scope creep on site.
BOE (Barrel of Oil Equivalent)
IndustryA standardised unit of energy measurement that converts different types of oil and gas production into equivalent barrels of crude oil, used by operators to report total production volumes when determining project scope and service requirements for subcontractors.
Bladder Tank
IndustryA collapsible, flexible fluid storage container used on job sites to hold fuel, water, or chemicals. Subcontractors often mobilise them where permanent tanks aren't practical. They're common on remote oil and gas and construction sites.
Capital Program
IndustryA planned set of major construction or infrastructure projects approved by an owner or operator for a defined period. For subcontractors, it signals sustained work volumes and long-term contracting opportunities. Aligning your capacity with a client's capital program can anchor your pipeline for months or years.
Switchgear
IndustryElectrical equipment used to control, protect, and isolate power systems on job sites. Subcontractors working near switchgear must follow strict lockout/tagout procedures. Installation and maintenance work often requires certified electricians and site-specific safety permits.
Deepwater Export Terminal
IndustryAn offshore facility in deep water where oil or gas is transferred from production infrastructure to tankers or pipelines for transport. For subcontractors, these sites require specialised marine certifications and offshore safety training. Mobilisation costs are high, so confirm day-rate structures and expense recovery terms before committing crews.
Latest Industry News
AKITA Adds Six Rigs, Enters Multi-Year Utilization Deal with Paramount
AKITA Drilling has closed its acquisition of Fox Drilling from Paramount Resources, adding six triple rigs and securing a three-year, 2,700-day rig utilization commitment.
4 months agoIndustryJacobs-PCL Wins $1B SF Plant Upgrade Built Around Live Operations
SFPUC picked a Jacobs-PCL joint venture for a $1 billion progressive design-build nutrient reduction project at its largest treatment plant. The plant must keep running during construction, which shapes how subs should pursue early involvement.
11 hours agoIndustryAEP Lifts Capital Plan 30% to $100B as Data Center Load Hits 84 GW
AEP raised its five-year capital plan to $100 billion, with $37 billion for transmission and $20 billion for gas generation. A 10.4-GW Ohio data center campus drives the load growth, and three 765-kV lines are slated for 2028 through 2030.
yesterdayIndustryTranche-Scale Transmission Planning: Early Contractor Input Wins
A T&D World webinar summary says utilities should bring contractors in when engineering is 10% to 30% complete and treat site access as engineering. Here is what that means for crews and yard commitments.
yesterdayRelated Guides
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.
Industry GuideHow 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.
Industry GuideWhat 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.
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