TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit)

A contractual obligation by a producer or operator to move a set volume of product through a pipeline over a defined period. These agreements often drive project timelines and mobilisation schedules for field service subcontractors. Steady shipper commitments signal stable, longer-term work opportunities in a given region.

A formal document issued by an operator or prime contractor soliciting fixed-price bids for a defined scope of work. Subcontractors must submit pricing by a set deadline, with contracts typically awarded to the lowest qualified bidder. Review the technical specs and site conditions carefully before submitting your number.

A power generation system that captures waste heat from a gas turbine to drive a secondary steam turbine, boosting efficiency. Subcontractors often support CCGT plants during scheduled outages, commissioning, and maintenance shutdowns. Work typically requires specialised turbine, piping, and instrumentation trades.

A power generation facility that uses both gas turbines and steam turbines to maximise efficiency. For subcontractors, these sites involve complex, multi-discipline scopes across mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation trades. Outage and commissioning work is highly scheduled, requiring precise crew coordination and fast mobilisation.

The maximum electrical output a power facility can produce, measured in gigawatts (GW). For subcontractors, project scale and crew size requirements are often tied directly to a facility's GW rating. Larger GW projects typically mean longer scopes, more mobilisations, and greater equipment demands.

Loose, weakly bonded subsurface material — such as sand, gravel, or soft clay — that hasn't hardened into solid rock. These formations create unstable borehole conditions, increasing risk of collapse and equipment loss. Subcontractors drilling or excavating in these zones often face additional scope, specialised equipment requirements, and potential cost disputes.

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.