Choosing an Onshore Drilling Partner: 7 Questions to Ask
Seven practical questions to help operators discuss technical fit, mobilisation, safety and project responsibilities with a drilling contractor.
A productive conversation with a drilling contractor starts with a clear well programme. Before comparing proposals, bring the technical, operations and procurement teams together around the same requirements. These seven questions can help structure that discussion.
1. Does the proposed rig fit the programme?
Ask for the rig specification sheet and a documented review against the planned well design, expected loads, pressure requirements and site conditions. A headline horsepower figure is only one part of the discussion.
2. What relevant experience does the team bring?
Discuss comparable assignments, the proposed crew structure and how specialist support will be provided. Ask which experience is directly relevant to your planned work.
3. How will safety responsibilities be agreed?
Request the applicable QHSE documentation and discuss how the operator and contractor will coordinate responsibilities, reporting and emergency arrangements. Review the scope and reporting period behind any safety milestone.
4. What does mobilisation include?
Clarify access, transport, site readiness, utilities, equipment assembly and acceptance milestones. Agree who owns each dependency before setting the mobilisation schedule.
5. How will maintenance and spares be managed?
Discuss planned maintenance, critical spares, service support and escalation arrangements. Ask how equipment issues and their effect on the programme will be communicated.
6. What will project reporting look like?
Agree the reporting frequency, operational measures, decision owners and review meetings. Clear reporting helps both teams work from the same information.
7. Are commercial responsibilities explicit?
Compare the scope, inclusions, exclusions, mobilisation terms and treatment of changes. Record assumptions so that proposals can be evaluated on a consistent basis.
Start with a project brief
Share the proposed location, well programme, target schedule and required service scope with Shivganga Drillers. These details provide a starting point for a project-specific discussion on technical suitability and availability.
Illustrative company photographs show Rig 54 and its team. Final rig selection requires review of the individual project requirements.