Good Oilfield Practice: its history and evolution

Abstract Good Oilfield Practice sets the standards that oil and gas operators use to conduct their operations. This article provides a comprehensive, historical analysis of Good Oilfield Practice from its origins from more than a century ago to today’s modern global industry. It has constantly evolved to cover all facets of the oil and gas industry, which reflects the risk, complexity, and uncertainty associated with the industry’s operations. Good Oilfield Practice is often described differently with different names and consists of many standards. It is not a single standard. It is many. It is both an objective and a negligence standard. Good Oilfield Practice comes from a number of sources, including the industry’s agreements and its regulatory framework. There is a distinction between good and best practices, even when there may be challenges in determining what is ‘best’. Given the many similarities and synergies, the standards developed in the oil and gas industry are now migrating to other energy sectors.