The Floating Production segment is a key area for the application of digital operations given the plethora of systems and services involving the receipt on board of volatile hydrocarbons, from their processing, treatment and storage through exportation and reinjection all the way to carbon capture, sea water treatment and others such as personnel services.

Recent projects suggest that, while digital technologies are being used, they are concentrated in the basic process and vessel design. This results in a well-engineered base layer, but often does not address the areas related to the ongoing operation of the vessel, which could provide opportunities to optimize a vessel’s operations during its lifetime.

The situation is exacerbated by the contracting methodology frequently applied, contracting with an EPC from among the large-name firms who base many of their decisions on limited technical specifications and lowest cost (for the EPC).

This presentation looks at a new approach to designing or retrofitting a floating production vessel that marries the benefits of automation and digitalization to help the operator realize significant savings. These savings would not only come from a potential reduction in capital expenses but by reducing long-term operational expenditures across the life of the vessel.