Trelleborg market research reveals sizeable untapped operational value in FPSO hose operations

Trelleborg Fluid Handling Solutions a global leader in the supply of field-proven large-bore flexible bonded hoses for crude oil and chemicals, has published a report that reveals significant opportunities for Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) owners to re-evaluate their reeling hose selection and unlock greater operational value.

Based on substantive interviews with some of the leading voices within the FPSO value chain, including national and international oil companies, the report found several legacy issues that are preventing the widespread uptake of proven reeling hose technologies:

• There is an ongoing disconnect between the prioritisation of making capital expenditure (CAPEX) savings and realising greater operational expenditure (OPEX) savings over the lifecycle of the FPSO project. Taking a ‘CAPEX first’ mindset means that many operators are missing out on superior performance and cost benefits.
• Some respondents highlighted that decision-making processes were being based on unsubstantiated, incomplete information or subjective processes.
• Perceptions vary around what ‘proven technology’ means. When comparing hoses, raising expectations around factors such as flexibility, service life and weight can generate whole-life operational cost savings whilst boosting safety and efficiency. This also applies to broadening environmental considerations of modern hose technology to realise the wider sustainability benefits in relation to reducing waste and CO₂ emissions.
• There is an ongoing disconnect between the prioritisation of making capital expenditure (CAPEX) savings and realising greater operational expenditure (OPEX) savings over the lifecycle of the FPSO project. Taking a ‘CAPEX first’ mindset means that many operators are missing out on superior performance and cost benefits. A lifecycle approach that looks beyond near-term projects, can help to identify the optimum value point between CAPEX and OPEX.
• Some respondents highlighted that decision-making processes were being based on unsubstantiated, incomplete information or subjective processes. Within this, concerns were raised that there can be a focus on staying with products because they meet essential performance standards and GMPHOM2009 guidelines rather than looking for options than can outperform basic requirements and deliver commercial operational advantage.
• Perceptions vary around what ‘proven technology’ means. Our respondents have a range of views regarding the definition of "proven" and this varies from region to region. Some are unwilling to change hoses if what they are currently using is still doing the job to a satisfactory level in the near term.
• When comparing hoses, raising expectations around factors such as flexibility, service life and weight can generate whole-life operational cost savings whilst boosting safety and efficiency. This also applies to broadening considerations of modern hose technology to realise the wider benefits of reducing waste and CO₂ emissions. For example, companies might prioritise mitigating the impact of oil spills, and consider low lifecycle emissions as being supplementary, rather than an additional advantage. Again, this overlooks the potential to strengthen performance more broadly whilst improving operational performance.

Jonathan Petit, Trelleborg Fluid Handling Solutions, Product Group Director, said: “Equipping FPSOs with the best-proven technology and equipment is vital to ensure safe, reliable and profitable operations. Yet, FPSO owners and operators may experience the dilemma of competing dynamics when attempting to determine the optimum hose solution. Our research has highlighted some of the existing challenges, but it is also encouraging to see that there is an appetite for change and consensus around a clear path forward.

“Global operators need to maintain the utmost levels of safety while bringing increased flexibility to oil and gas production. And, with a record order book for a new generation of FPSOs, the sector is shifting to demanding advanced proven, reeling hose solutions which can enable the industry to chart a pathway towards further strengthening safe, reliable, and more sustainable FPSO operations.

“Marine hoses serve as the fulcrum for ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable FPSO operations. However, as our respondents highlighted, some owners and operators could be overlooking the potential benefits of premium, proven marine hose technology, thereby missing opportunities for enhanced but dependable performance.

“This can be characterised by prioritising CAPEX over OPEX during procurement which can risk focusing on lower initial costs at the purchasing stage, rather than realising greater operational cost savings over the asset’s whole lifecycle. However, perspectives are changing, and we hope that reading the report will assist owners and operators to assess how they can improve their FPSO reeling hose operations.”

 

 

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Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/special-reports/09062025/trelleborg-market-research-reveals-sizeable-untapped-operational-value-in-fpso-hose-operations/