| Written by Mark Buzinkay
FPSOs are the new stars in Offshore Oil & Gas
Floating Production Storage and Offloading units (FPSOs) are increasingly vital to the offshore oil and gas industry, offering a flexible and efficient solution for extracting, processing, and storing hydrocarbons at sea. These vessels are floating facilities that receive crude oil from subsea wells, process it onboard, store it, and then offload it to tankers or pipelines. Their popularity has surged due to their adaptability in deepwater and remote offshore fields, where building fixed infrastructure is costly or impractical.
The industry around FPSOs is thriving, driven by rising global energy demand and the need to tap into deeper and more technically challenging reservoirs. FPSOs can be converted from oil tankers or purpose-built, varying widely in size and capability depending on the project's complexity. Their modular nature allows operators to relocate them once a field is depleted, enhancing long-term investment value.
Geographically, FPSO deployments are most common in offshore regions like Brazil, West Africa (notably Angola and Nigeria), and the North Sea. Brazil leads globally, largely due to Petrobras' extensive pre-salt developments in the Santos Basin. West Africa continues to grow, offering high-yield reserves in deepwater settings, while the North Sea remains active, especially for smaller tie-back projects and redevelopment of mature fields. Asia-Pacific and Australia also see increased activity, especially around Malaysia and northern Australia, reflecting broader investment in offshore exploration across emerging markets. (1)
Security threats for offshore installations
Several regions where FPSOs and offshore drilling are prominent face security challenges—both for general maritime shipping and offshore installations specifically.
West Africa, particularly the Gulf of Guinea (including Nigeria and Angola), is one of the most security-challenged maritime regions in the world. Piracy, armed robbery, and kidnappings of crew members have been persistent threats. Offshore installations, including FPSOs, have occasionally been targeted, especially in Nigeria, where militants have attacked oil infrastructure as part of broader political and economic grievances. For instance, groups like the Niger Delta Avengers have in the past sabotaged pipelines and made threats against offshore platforms. (2)
While generally more stable, Brazil has experienced some issues related to organized crime, but offshore security threats are relatively low compared to West Africa. That said, there are concerns about potential environmental sabotage or theft from supply vessels, especially near port areas rather than far offshore.
The North Sea (UK and Norwegian sectors) is among the most secure offshore regions, with robust naval and coast guard oversight. Security incidents are extremely rare, though there are constant concerns about cyber threats to critical infrastructure, including offshore oil and gas platforms. (3)
Asia-Pacific, including Malaysia and parts of Indonesia, has also faced piracy—particularly in the Strait of Malacca and parts of the South China Sea. While attacks on offshore platforms are uncommon, there have been incidents involving supply vessels and occasional security alerts for rigs and FPSOs in isolated areas. (4)
Overall, while direct attacks on FPSOs or offshore platforms are relatively rare globally, the potential threat from piracy, militancy, and cyberattacks is taken very seriously in high-risk regions. Operators in these areas typically deploy private security, coordinate closely with local navies, and follow international maritime security frameworks like the ISPS Code.
Security measures to ward off threats
Offshore installations, including FPSOs and fixed platforms, use a layered approach to physical security tailored to their location and threat level. These measures aim to deter, detect, delay, and respond to intrusions or sabotage. Here's an overview of the most common and effective types of physical security in use:
1. Perimeter Defense:
Platforms typically have physical barriers such as fences, gates, and anti-climb mesh where applicable (mostly on accessible deck areas). FPSOs often install razor wire or electrified barriers around gangways and points of access from the sea. Restricted areas on deck are clearly marked and sometimes physically segregated.
2. Access Control for Doors:
All personnel boarding or moving within the installation are subject to strict access control. This includes ID checks, biometric systems (fingerprint or facial recognition), RFID-based personal tracking, and turnstiles or mantraps in critical zones. Some platforms integrate these with e-Mustering and personnel-on-board (POB) systems.
3. Surveillance and Detection:
High-definition CCTV cameras with thermal and night vision capabilities monitor all areas of the platform, particularly access points, helicopter decks, and crane operations. Radar systems or sonar buoys can detect approaching boats, even at night or in poor weather. Intrusion detection systems (motion sensors, vibration sensors on ladders or hatches) are often used in high-risk areas.
4. Lighting and Visibility:
Bright floodlighting is used strategically to deter nighttime intrusions. Installations often ensure that approach routes by sea are illuminated and covered by cameras.
5. Security Patrols and Guard Presence:
In high-risk regions like West Africa, armed private security contractors or navy personnel may be on board. Regular physical patrols, both topside and below deck, are standard, and nearby naval assets are on standby in some areas.
6. Hardened Control Rooms and Secure Zones:
Critical systems like process control, communications, and navigation are housed in reinforced, access-controlled rooms. These are designed to withstand sabotage and accidental damage (e.g., from fire or explosion). Some installations have "safe havens" or citadels for crew in case of an armed intrusion.
7. Maritime Exclusion Zones:
FPSOs and platforms operate within designated maritime exclusion zones, usually monitored by radar and AIS (Automatic Identification Systems). Unauthorized vessels entering the zone trigger alerts and may be warned or intercepted. Some operators work closely with coast guards or naval forces for enforcement.
8. Cyber-Physical Integration:
With increasing digitization, physical security is often integrated with cybersecurity measures. For instance, surveillance feeds and access controls are managed via secure networks, and alerts are automatically generated for anomalies (e.g., unauthorized access outside scheduled times).
9. Emergency Protocols and Drills:
Installations conduct regular drills for piracy, intrusion, and evacuation scenarios. Emergency lockdown procedures can isolate certain areas and restrict movement rapidly.
While the level of security varies by region and operator, the industry follows global standards such as the ISPS Code, API security guidelines, and local regulations to ensure robust protection against physical threats.
Access Control for Doors: How do they work?
Access control on offshore installations, particularly doors and entry points plays a crucial role in managing personnel movement, enforcing security protocols, and integrating safety systems like personal tracking and Personnel-on-Board (POB) monitoring. Let's explore how it works technically and operationally and how solutions like Crew Companion from Identec Solutions bring it all together.
1. How Access Control Functions on Offshore Installations
At its core, access control for doors functions similarly to onshore security systems but with offshore-specific adaptations. Here's how:
- Electronic door locks: Controlled via card readers, RFID scanners, or biometric devices. These locks only grant authorized personnel access based on their role, schedule, or area restrictions.
- Integration with personnel ID: Each worker carries a smart ID badge (often RFID/UHF-based) or wearable tag. When presented in proximity to a reader, the system verifies access rights in real time.
- Event logging: Every access attempt (granted or denied) is logged, including time, location, and identity.
- Zoning: Installations are divided into access zones (e.g., engine room, control room, living quarters). Entry can be tiered by role (e.g., engineer vs. guest technician).
- Failsafe operations: In emergencies, doors may switch to fail-open (evacuation) or fail-secure (lockdown), depending on the threat.
2. Integration with Personal Tracking and POB Systems
Modern offshore security systems link door access with real-time location tracking and POB systems, creating a comprehensive safety and accountability framework:
- Personal tracking: Tags or badges with active RFID or UWB (Ultra-Wideband) transmitters continuously report each person's location (worker safety monitoring).
- POB system: Tracks everyone aboard the vessel or platform in real time, automatically updating counts during shift changes, emergency drills, or evacuation.
- Access-based movement logs: When someone passes through a door (e.g., from accommodation to a restricted zone), the system logs their location update. This replaces or supplements traditional check-in/out procedures.
- Evacuation readiness: In an emergency, the system instantly knows who is in which zone, who has accessed muster stations, and who may be missing—without manual headcounts.
3. Example Solution: Crew Companion by Identec Solutions
Crew Companion is a prime example of this integrated approach. Here's how it brings access control, personal tracking, and POB into one system:
- Personnel tags: Each crew member wears an active wrist tag that is read by strategically placed readers—at gangways, doors, muster stations, etc (see also: Electronic T-Card).
- Smart door readers: Doors in critical zones (e.g., control room, hazardous areas) are equipped with RFID readers linked to the Crew Companion backend. Only authorised tags trigger an unlock.
- Zone awareness: Crew Companion automatically updates the personnel's location as they move through controlled doors, ensuring real-time awareness of everyone's location.
- POB dashboard: Supervisors have access to a live dashboard showing who is onboard, their last known location, and access history. During drills or real emergencies, the system tracks muster progress in real time.
- Integration with emergency systems: Crew Companion can trigger alarms or notifications if someone enters a dangerous area without clearance or fails to muster on time (mustering report).
Use Case Example
A technician is assigned to inspect a pump in a hazardous zone:
- His wrist tag allows access to the zone between 09:00–11:00 only.
- When the badge is presented at the zone door, the system checks authorization, grants access, and logs the entry.
- The POB system records their new location, showing them "in Hazard Zone 2."
- If an evacuation is triggered, the muster system automatically identifies the technician as missing from their assigned station.
- Emergency responders are guided based on the last logged access and location data from Crew Companion.
FAQ
What is access control for doors, and why is it essential offshore?
Access control for doors refers to systems that manage and restrict entry to specific areas of an offshore installation based on personnel credentials. It's essential offshore because it helps enforce safety protocols, prevents unauthorized access to critical areas, and supports emergency response by tracking personnel locations in real time.
How is door access typically granted on an offshore platform or FPSO?
Access is usually granted via electronic methods such as RFID badges, biometric scanners (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition), or smart wristbands. These are linked to a centralized system that checks each individual's authorization level, role, and time-based permissions before unlocking a door.
Can access control systems be integrated with other safety tools like personnel tracking?
Yes, modern access control systems are often integrated with personnel tracking and Personnel-on-Board (POB) systems. This allows for real-time visibility of crew locations, automated logging of movements, and immediate situational awareness during emergencies or evacuations.
Takeaway
Securing offshore installations requires more than physical barriers—it demands intelligent systems that control and monitor personnel movement. Access control for doors plays a vital role in safeguarding critical zones, supporting emergency readiness, and ensuring that only authorized crew members enter high-risk areas. It forms a comprehensive safety net when combined with real-time tracking and POB systems. Solutions like Crew Companion offer a smart, integrated approach to this challenge, helping operators improve safety, accountability, and response times through automated access management and location awareness tailored specifically for offshore environments.
Delve deeper into one of our core topics: Personnel on board
Glossary
Maritime Exclusion Zones (MEZs) are designated sea areas around offshore installations, such as FPSOs or drilling platforms, where unauthorized vessels are prohibited from entering. These zones are established to enhance safety and security by preventing collisions, sabotage, or piracy. MEZs are monitored using radar, AIS, and patrols, and intrusions can trigger alerts or military response. Their legal basis often aligns with international maritime law and national safety regulations governing offshore infrastructure. (5)
References:
(1) https://www.worldoil.com/magazine/2023/september-2023/features/fpso-technology-accelerating-fpso-performance-evolution
(2) https://www.offshore-technology.com/features/petro-piracy-the-continuing-threat-to-oil-security
(3) https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/16/undersea-hybrid-warfare-threatens-security-of-1bn-nato-commander-warns
(4) https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/piracy-incidents-spike-nearly-35-in-q1-drive-by-singapore-strait
(5) International Maritime Organization (IMO), SOLAS Convention Chapter XI-2 and ISPS Code, IMO Publishing, 2003.
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