A type of aerial work platform that raises personnel or materials straight up on a single mast column. Commonly used in confined or tight job sites where boom lifts cannot manoeuvre. Subcontractors must verify operator certifications and load ratings before mobilising.
Vertical Mast Lift
Related Terms
Stimulation
IndustryWell stimulation refers to treatments like hydraulic fracturing or acid jobs that improve reservoir flow. Subcontractors often mobilise for short, intensive campaigns requiring specialised crews and equipment. Scope changes and standby time are common, so clear contract terms matter.
MWD (Measurement While Drilling)
IndustryA real-time data acquisition process used during directional drilling that transmits downhole measurements — such as wellbore trajectory, formation data, and tool orientation — to surface crews without interrupting operations. For subcontractors, MWD services represent a specialised scope of work requiring certified technicians and dedicated equipment, often billed as a separate line item on drilling contracts.
Screen Media
IndustryThe replaceable filtering surfaces installed in vibratory shakers and separators on drilling and processing sites. Types include wire mesh, polyurethane, and rubber panels, each suited to different material grades. Subcontractors are often responsible for sourcing, swapping, and disposing of worn screen media during operations.
TIC (Total Installed Cost)
IndustryThe full cost of completing a scope of work, including labour, equipment, materials, and indirect expenses. Subcontractors use TIC to build accurate bids and avoid underpricing complex field installations. Owners and GCs often benchmark TIC when evaluating competing quotes.
Secondary Stress
IndustryIndirect mechanical stress that develops in structures or piping due to thermal expansion, settlement, or equipment movement. Unlike primary stress, it isn't caused by direct applied loads. Subcontractors must account for it during installation and inspection to avoid material fatigue and warranty disputes.
Service Company
IndustryA company that provides specialized services to oil and gas operators, such as drilling, completions, workover, transportation, or maintenance. Also called oilfield services (OFS).
Latest Industry News
5,700-Ft HDPE Pullback Under James River Resets Long-Bore Benchmark
Garney's team pulled 42-in HDPE 5,700 ft beneath the Newport News Shipping Channel, a claimed record for that pipe size and wall thickness. Here is what HDD and marine subs can take from it.
20 hours agoIndustryCalifornia Data Center Electrical Rooms Face Two Confined-Space Rules
Federal OSHA 1926.1203 and California's Title 8 confined space standard both apply to Bay Area data center electrical rooms, and one doesn't satisfy the other. Electrical and mechanical subs should plan for surveys, rescue plans and training before mobilizing.
20 hours agoIndustryEmera to Acquire Canadian Utilities in $72B Merger of Equals
Emera and Canadian Utilities plan to merge into a $72 billion utility with six million customers. Alberta and Florida would drive about 80% of earnings, but no project or bid stage exists yet.
20 hours agoIndustryFlorida Staff Backs SpaceX's 32-Mile Cape Canaveral Gas Pipeline
SpaceX subsidiary Coastal Connect Services seeks Florida approval for a 32.4-mile, 16-inch gas pipeline to Cape Canaveral. Regulators' staff recommended approval, but no final order or contractor has been reported.
20 hours agoRelated 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.
Stay sharp on field operations
Industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe to FieldNews
