The evolution of remote-controlled FPSOs

LUIZ FEIJO, ABS   

Tried and true as their decades-long use can attest, floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels are among the offshore industry's most enduring—and adaptable—assets. But as the operators continue to advance into the next era of digital transformation, these floating facilities are in high demand to push technological boundaries globally.  

Considering that approximately 10 to 12 FPSOs were expected to reach final investment decisions (FIDs) during 2026—including four to six FIDs  planned for Brazil—it’s clear that demand for a modern high-efficiency fleet is on the rise.¹ What this looks like from a newbuild perspective, and how the FPSO of the future evolves, will depend on several compelling factors. 

Fig. 1. The remote-controlled FPSOs underway today represent the next evolutionary step toward autonomous offshore operations.

As new vessels move forward to tap promising deepwater regions in South America, the floating units offer a competitive advantage for faster deployment, compared to fixed installations. Beyond their operational flexibility and longevity, FPSOs may soon be capable of operating autonomously—but not without significant progress and safety guidance to take this technology from concept to reality. 

A FIRST STEP, NOT A FAST-FORWARD 

Today’s remote-controlled FPSOs underway represent the next evolutionary step toward autonomous offshore operations, Fig. 1. Their remote-control functionality serves as the first phase of reimagining traditional manned operations, using remote monitoring and automated equipment systems to augment human capabilities.  

Understanding the distinction between autonomous and remote-control functions is crucial.  

Autonomous functions enable machines to perform each of the four steps in the operational decision loop—monitoring, analysis, decision, and action—without human intervention to complete tasks and achieve system missions.  

Remote control functions represent an approach where systems and operations are monitored and controlled remotely by human operators physically located elsewhere than onboard the offshore unit where operations occur. A reduced crew remains onboard for oversight and emergency response. 

As modern marvels of technological advancement, these “connected” offshore units offer significant safety improvements. For example, removing personnel from hazardous and high-risk zones increases offshore safety. From an operational efficiency perspective, remote means running leaner with expert resources on hand that could address emerging workforce transition challenges. Deploying advanced technologies helps bridge skills gaps while making it easier to harness the world’s energy in harder-to-reach, increasingly distant areas. 

What technology enablers are leading the FPSOs of today into the future? Let’s take a closer look at how designs are evolving to achieve these outcomes and where there are technological challenges to overcome. 

TECHNOLOGY ENABLERS IN THE FPSO EVOLUTION 

Safer design and operation, sustainability, higher efficiency and improved application of human capital are key drivers in the journey to maturing the concept of a future-ready FPSO. Remote-controlled operations aim to address these priorities, as demand accelerates for a modern fleet equipped with efficient, sustainable technologies. The following outcomes underscore what’s driving the FPSO evolution. 

Increasing offshore safety. With safety top of mind, reducing human exposure to hazardous offshore environments and minimizing the need for humans in the loop interventions will critically transform operational safety. 

Boosting efficiency through connectivity. From an operational efficiency perspective, optimized remote control functions deliver real-time decision-making to improve operational safety in challenging offshore environments. Advanced 24/7 monitoring capabilities provide continuous oversight into safety and performance parameters.  

Shoring up an evolving workforce. The transition from offshore manual labor to onshore technical expertise opens up new career opportunities for the digital generation entering the energy workforce. Centralizing knowledge in specialized control centers, where human intelligence directs these remote, mobile assets, allows companies to leverage expertise across multiple assets simultaneously. 

Today’s advanced data analytics platforms process massive information streams in real-time, converting raw data into actionable intelligence. And robust cybersecurity architecture protects critical operations from increasingly sophisticated threats while maintaining operational flexibility. These enablers are revolutionizing offshore operations.  

However, while high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity solutions now make real-time offshore control technically feasible and economically viable in mature fields like the Gulf of America/Mexico, more bandwidth will be needed in emerging offshore regions.  

ADDRESSING CURRENT TECHNOLOGICAL CHALLENGES 

Significant technological gaps remain before achieving fully autonomous FPSO operations. Current limitations include inadequate coverage from satellite communications networks and the need for more reliable infrastructure in emerging offshore areas. These near-term constraints require practical solutions and careful implementation strategies. 

Another critical component of remotely controlling an FPSO involves establishing an integrated operations center at a nearby shore-based facility. This center enables technical crews to oversee operations and troubleshoot issues through human-in-the-loop supervision. Supporting industry standardization, several pilot projects are currently underway to evaluate remote functionality, guided by objective standards, such as the ABS Guide for Autonomous and Remote-control Functions. 

ABS is leading the development of comprehensive standards for emerging technologies. For example, the ABS REMOTE-CON notation creates the first comprehensive certification framework for remote-controlled vessels, establishing industry standards and best practices. Function categories, including cargo handling, ballast operations, and industrial processes, provide granular control over which operations can be performed remotely, based on risk and complexity assessments. Supervision levels, ranging from continuous to periodic to on-demand oversight, allow operators to optimize human resources while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance. 

PROVEN SUCCESS AND PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION 

The FPSO Liza Unity was the world's first vessel to receive the ABS REMOTE-CON notation, proving that remote-controlled operations have evolved from theoretical to practical application. This notation from an objective third-party safety organization provides the framework for the development of a remote-control functionality that will significantly increase the reliability and safety of the FPSO under actual operating conditions. Functional and commercial viability gives operators confidence to invest in remote and autonomous capabilities, potentially accelerating industry-wide adoption. 

Class societies like ABS systematically address technical and operational challenges to support such technology innovation by compiling lessons learned through collaborative industry projects and creating a proven, risk-based framework for future implementations. 

Looking ahead, the operational journey toward a fully autonomous facility should follow a progressive approach to implementation, with varying—and increasing—levels of complexity for systems, capabilities and requirements: 

Level 1 focuses on smart operations, where decision support systems provide passive assistance that can enhance human operators' capabilities without requiring major operational changes. Predictive maintenance capabilities can reduce unexpected failures while optimizing maintenance schedules and costs. Comprehensive operational databases help create foundations for future automation while delivering immediate operational insights. 

Level 2 introduces remote control capabilities, where human-in-the-loop remote supervision maintains operator control while eliminating the need for offshore personnel in many situations. Real-time operations capability means all four decision loop steps can be performed remotely, dramatically expanding operational flexibility. Operational supervision levels can be tailored to function criticality, optimizing resource allocation while maintaining appropriate oversight. 

Level 3 represents autonomous operations, where human-out-of-the-loop systems make independent decisions and take action, freeing human operators to focus on higher-value strategic activities. Periodic maintenance oversight represents the primary regular human intervention required. Seamless integration between autonomous and remote-controlled operations creates the ultimate flexible operating model. 

CHARTING A NEW COURSE 

As the industry advances automation and AI, safety remains the paramount consideration when innovating to solve offshore operations' most pressing challenges. Remote-controlled FPSOs represent a measured, practical first step toward more autonomous operations, requiring continued collaboration between operators, technology providers and classification societies to safeguard implementation. 

Building on a legacy of innovation, the offshore sector will continue to advance novel concepts that incorporate cloud-native, smart technology capabilities, and these technological advancements are reshaping deepwater exploration and production.  

With digitalization charting a new course for autonomous offshore operations, it is likely an unmanned FPSO will soon operate in the farthest reaches of ocean depths, where untapped resources lie in wait. 

REFERENCE 

1. Offshore Engineer, FPSO Market 2025: Demand Steady, Prices Soar.  

ACKNOWLEDGMENT 

The author shared these technical insights in March 2025 at World Oil’s MCEDD Deepwater Development Conference in Madrid, Spain. 

LUIZ FEIJO is director, Global Offshore, at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) in its headquarters in Houston, Texas. He leads the Offshore Production Market Sector, looking over the business intelligence, business strategy and business development activities on the classification and certification of offshore production facilities. Mr. Feijo joined ABS in 2001 as a project manager and has held different positions related to project management and business development. Prior to ABS, he worked in offshore construction yards and shipyards. With over 35 years of experience, Mr. Feijo holds a BS degree in mechanical engineering from the Rio de Janeiro State University in Brazil.