To get the oil and gas out of the ground numerous complex activities are involved. It starts with exploration. This begins with seismic research and careful interpretation of the results. To confirm whether there is indeed oil or gas present test drillings are made.

If this is the case then a production installation, or if offshore a production platform, is installed with treatment equipment connected to the pipeline network to deliver the oil or gas produced to the receiving stations.

When the field has been fully exploited and production stopped, then the production installation is removed and the location is left behind as it was found. Because we talk primarily of gas production in the Netherlands this web site particularly describes the gas discovery and production processes.