Good Oilfield Practice: its history and evolution.

This article provides a detailed examination of Good Oilfield Practice (GOP), the widely accepted standard guiding oil and gas operators in conducting their operations safely, efficiently, and prudently. Originating over a century ago, GOP is an evolving, multifaceted, objective negligence standard derived from industry agreements, regulatory frameworks, and judicial decisions, with variations such as the Reasonably Prudent Operator standard in the U.S. and similar concepts in Canada, the UK, and other jurisdictions. The article distinguishes GOP from Best Oilfield Practice, the latter representing a higher, "best-in-class" standard, and highlights GOP's application in contracts, legislation, and international arbitrations, emphasizing its adaptability over time with technological and regulatory developments. Additionally, it notes the migration of such standards into other energy sectors and underscores the role of numerous industry and technical organizations in developing the objective standards that define GOP globally.