An arrangement where a primary contractor hires an outside company to perform specialised work on a project. For subcontractors, this defines your position in the contracting chain and affects payment terms, liability, and site access. Knowing your tier level helps clarify who you invoice and who manages your compliance requirements.
Third-Party Contracting
Related Terms
SWD (Saltwater Disposal)
IndustryThe process of injecting produced water from oil and gas operations into approved underground formations. Subcontractors may operate or service SWD facilities, including pump maintenance, wellbore work, and fluid hauling. Understanding SWD volumes and schedules helps crews plan trucking, pit management, and injection equipment needs.
Gathering Infrastructure
IndustryThe network of pipelines, compressors, and processing facilities that collect hydrocarbons from wellheads and move them to processing or transmission points. For subcontractors, it represents a major source of construction, maintenance, and inspection work. Projects often run concurrently with drilling programmes, creating tight scheduling demands.
Pre-Salt
IndustryRefers to oil reservoirs located beneath thick layers of underground salt, typically in deepwater offshore basins. For subcontractors, pre-salt projects involve specialised equipment, extended mobilisation timelines, and higher operational complexity. Expect longer contract cycles and stricter certification requirements from operators.
PCP (Progressive Cavity Pump)
IndustryA rotary pump used in oil and gas production to lift heavy or viscous fluids from wellbores. Subcontractors are frequently hired for PCP installation, maintenance, and rod-string servicing. Familiarity with drive heads, stators, and rotors is essential for field technicians working these jobs.
Wet Screening
IndustryA separation process that uses water to sort and classify aggregates, drilling cuttings, or granular materials by size. Subcontractors operate wet screening equipment on site to remove fines and contaminants from bulk materials. It is common in civil construction, pipeline work, and drilling waste management scopes.
GPR (Ground-penetrating Radar)
IndustryA non-destructive scanning method that detects buried utilities, pipes, and subsurface anomalies before excavation begins. Subcontractors use GPR to reduce strike risk and meet dig-permit requirements on job sites. Many clients now require GPR clearance as a condition of mobilisation.
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