Working on an FPSO: what to expect

What is an FPSO?

An FPSO (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading) vessel is a type of offshore facility used to process hydrocarbon fluids from nearby subsea wells, store the crude oil or gas produced, and periodically offload it to shuttle tankers for export to shore.

Unlike fixed platforms, FPSOs float and are moored at a single location, often for decades. They can be deployed in deep water where fixed structures aren't viable. They're most common in West Africa (Angola, Nigeria), Brazil, South East Asia, and the North Sea.

FPSOs are essentially a processing plant, a storage facility, and a ship — all in one. This makes them operationally complex and home to a large, diverse crew.

How FPSO life differs from fixed platforms

• Movement — FPSOs move in swell. Seasickness is a real factor, especially in the early days. Fixed platforms feel stationary by comparison.
• Size — FPSOs carry much larger crews (often 200–400 people) compared to most fixed platforms (40–150 people). The vessel is a city in itself.
• Complexity — the integration of processing, storage, and marine systems means more departments, more interdependencies, and stricter permit-to-work processes.
• Rotations — FPSO rotations are typically longer: 28/28 or 4/4 is common, driven by the remote locations and flight costs.
• Location — FPSOs are often in locations far from major hubs: West Africa, Brazil, and deep-water North Sea. Travel to and from the vessel is longer and more complex than a North Sea helicopter run.

Daily life on an FPSO

A typical day on an FPSO is structured around 12-hour shifts. The facility operates 24/7, so half the crew is always working and the other half is resting or off-duty.

• Shift handover — the start and end of every shift involves a structured handover meeting to ensure continuity of operations and awareness of any ongoing issues
• Permit to Work system — every non-routine task requires a formal permit. This is more rigorous on FPSOs than on many fixed platforms due to the complexity of the asset
• Meals — galley (canteen) operates around the clock to feed all crew. Food is a significant part of morale management on long rotations
• Recreation — FPSOs typically have a gym, TV lounge, and recreation room. Most workers read, exercise, or watch films during off-hours
• Communications — satellite internet is available, though bandwidth can be limited. Most workers call home during their off-shifts

Roles available on FPSOs

Because FPSOs combine processing, marine, and accommodation functions, they need a wide variety of roles:

• Process operators — monitor and control the production process. The core production team. Requires process operations background.
• Instrument/electrical technicians — maintain the control systems, sensors, and electrical infrastructure. High demand.
• Mechanical technicians — maintain rotating equipment, pumps, compressors, and mechanical systems.
• Marine officers — manage the vessel's mooring, stability, and offloading operations. Requires maritime qualifications.
• Catering and accommodation — large crews require substantial catering and housekeeping teams. Accessible entry route.
• HSE officers — safety oversight and permit management. Requires offshore safety experience.
• OIM and production managers — senior leadership roles for experienced offshore professionals.

Certificates and requirements

• BOSIET with CA-EBS — the standard offshore survival certificate, required for all platform-based roles
• MIST — required by most operators
• OGUK offshore medical — mandatory
• HUET — included in BOSIET
• STCW may be required for marine officer roles on the vessel side
• Role-specific qualifications depending on your department (process, mechanical, electrical)

Pay on FPSOs

FPSO roles often command a premium over equivalent North Sea platform roles due to location, rotation length, and operational complexity.

• Process operator: €400–€650/day
• Instrument/electrical technician: €500–€800/day
• HSE officer: €500–€750/day
• Marine officer: €500–€900/day (depending on seniority)
• Catering/accommodation crew: €200–€350/day
• OIM: €1,200–€2,000/day

Is working on an FPSO right for you?

• You're comfortable with longer rotations (28/28 or 4/4) and genuinely extended time away from home
• You can manage being on a moving vessel — if you're susceptible to chronic seasickness, FPSOs may not be the right environment
• You want higher pay rates in exchange for more demanding conditions and location
• You're comfortable working in a large, multicultural crew environment
• You're interested in international career development — FPSO operators work globally