Top 12 Biggest FPSOs in the World

Discover the top 12 biggest FPSOs in the world. Explore how these floating production giants revolutionize offshore oil and gas operations through cutting-edge technology and global maritime engineering.

Why FPSOs Matter in Modern Maritime Operations

Floating Production Storage and Offloading units—better known as FPSOs—are giants of the offshore oil and gas industry. Operating far from land, they combine the functions of a production platform, a storage tanker, and a temporary export terminal into a single floating facility. Designed to withstand extreme weather and process hydrocarbons around the clock, FPSOs are critical to energy security, particularly in deepwater and ultra-deepwater fields where fixed infrastructure is not viable.

According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and energy data from IHS Markit, more than 200 FPSOs are currently deployed worldwide. Their ability to operate in harsh environments, especially off the coasts of Brazil, West Africa, and the North Sea, makes them indispensable for the global energy supply chain.

Let’s explore the top 12 biggest FPSOs in the world—vessels that are not only engineering marvels but also economic engines for producing nations.

FPSO P-80 – Brazil 🇧🇷

Operator: Petrobras | Processing Capacity: 225,000 bpd | Storage: 2 million barrels

Slated for deployment in the Búzios field (Santos Basin), FPSO P-80 will become one of the world’s largest FPSOs once operational. This mammoth unit is part of Brazil’s ambitious pre-salt strategy, where ultra-deepwater fields promise massive reserves.

🚢 Noteworthy: Built by China’s CIMC Raffles and integrated in Brazil, it showcases strong international collaboration in FPSO fabrication and logistics.

FPSO Búzios V (Almirante Tamandaré) – Brazil 🇧🇷

Operator: Petrobras | Processing Capacity: 225,000 bpd | Storage: 1.4 million barrels

Búzios V, also known as FPSO Almirante Tamandaré, is another giant in the making. It supports the world’s largest deepwater oil field and continues Brazil’s trend of integrating high-capacity FPSOs with carbon capture modules.

🌍 Environmental Edge: Equipped with gas reinjection systems to limit flaring and align with IMO GHG protocols.

FPSO Egina – Nigeria 🇳🇬

Operator: TotalEnergies | Processing Capacity: 200,000 bpd | Storage: 2.3 million barrels

The Egina FPSO is one of the largest offshore production units ever constructed in Africa. Located in the Egina field, 130 km off Nigeria’s coast, this FPSO has significantly boosted Nigeria’s deepwater output.

🛠️ Construction Feat: Built partly in South Korea (Samsung Heavy Industries) and partly in Nigeria’s Lagos Free Zone, it supports local content development under Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) policy.

FPSO Pioneiro de Libra (Mero 1) – Brazil 🇧🇷

Operator: Petrobras/Modec | Processing Capacity: 180,000 bpd | Storage: 1.4 million barrels

Deployed in Brazil’s pre-salt Mero field, this FPSO acts as a pilot unit for one of the most promising reserves globally. Its high-tech subsea systems allow safe and efficient processing of CO₂-rich hydrocarbons.

⚙️ Technical Highlight: Integrates subsea separation and gas reinjection, aligning with DNV’s offshore energy transition roadmap.

FPSO Glen Lyon – United Kingdom 🇬🇧

Operator: BP | Processing Capacity: 130,000 bpd | Storage: 1.1 million barrels

Moored in the harsh environment of the West of Shetland, the Glen Lyon is the largest harsh-weather FPSO. It supports the Quad 204 redevelopment project, prolonging the life of the Schiehallion and Loyal fields.

❄️ Arctic Engineering: Built to survive storms with 15m waves, the vessel’s double-hull design complies with Lloyd’s Register safety rules for FPSOs in harsh climates.

FPSO Cidade de Ilhabela – Brazil 🇧🇷

Operator: Petrobras | Processing Capacity: 150,000 bpd | Storage: 1.6 million barrels

Deployed in the Sapinhoá field, this FPSO is a key contributor to Brazil’s pre-salt production, one of the largest discoveries in the past two decades.

🔧 Innovation: Integrated flare gas recovery and water reinjection systems reduce emissions and support Petrobras’ net-zero goals by 2050.

FPSO Kikeh – Malaysia 🇲🇾

Operator: Shell/Petronas | Processing Capacity: 120,000 bpd | Storage: 2 million barrels

The Kikeh FPSO is Southeast Asia’s largest, operating in deep waters off Sabah. It was Malaysia’s first deepwater development and remains a cornerstone of the country’s offshore strategy.

📐 Design Note: Built by MISC Berhad, the unit emphasizes hull longevity and low-maintenance topsides—key for operating far from shore for years.

FPSO Kwame Nkrumah – Ghana 🇬🇭

Operator: Tullow Oil | Processing Capacity: 120,000 bpd | Storage: 1.6 million barrels

Serving the Jubilee Field, this FPSO was a milestone for Ghana, marking the country’s emergence as an oil producer. Converted from a VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier), it enabled Ghana to develop offshore capacity rapidly.

🎓 Local Development: The project catalyzed maritime training programs with support from the IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP).

FPSO John Agyekum Kufuor – Ghana 🇬🇭

Operator: Eni Ghana | Processing Capacity: 58,000 bpd | Storage: 1 million barrels

Named after Ghana’s former president, this FPSO operates in the Offshore Cape Three Points field and is part of an integrated gas-to-power initiative for the country’s energy independence.

🔗 Multi-role System: Delivers both oil and natural gas, connecting directly to onshore power plants.

FPSO Dalia – Angola 🇦🇴

Operator: TotalEnergies | Processing Capacity: 240,000 bpd | Storage: 2 million barrels

Although not the longest FPSO in the world, the Dalia FPSO stands out for its impressive production volume. Located in Block 17, it is a cornerstone of Angola’s offshore sector.

🏗️ Engineering Scale: Carries 35,000 tons of topside modules and was constructed by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME).

FPSO Terra Nova – Canada 🇨🇦

Operator: Suncor Energy | Processing Capacity: 150,000 bpd | Storage: 960,000 barrels

Terra Nova was one of the first FPSOs in harsh North Atlantic waters. It operated on the Grand Banks off Newfoundland and has undergone multiple refits for life extension.

🌊 Arctic Adaptation: Double-hulled and ice-strengthened, complying with Canadian Arctic Shipping Safety and Pollution Prevention Regulations.

FPSO Cidade de Maricá – Brazil 🇧🇷

Operator: Petrobras | Processing Capacity: 150,000 bpd | Storage: 1.6 million barrels

Deployed in the Lula field, this FPSO was converted in China and integrated in Brazil. It operates alongside its twin, FPSO Cidade de Saquarema, as part of Petrobras’ largest field development.

🔄 Digital Monitoring: Uses real-time analytics to optimize production and maintenance cycles—supported by Wärtsilä digital energy solutions.

Case Study: How FPSOs Extend Energy Reach

FPSOs are often deployed in locations too remote, deep, or weather-challenged for fixed platforms. For instance, Brazil’s pre-salt basin and West Africa’s deepwater reserves would be nearly impossible to exploit without FPSO technology.

  • In Nigeria, the Egina FPSO has localized supply chains and port facilities, boosting national GDP and maritime employment.

  • In the UK, Glen Lyon ensures consistent production in otherwise declining oil fields, supporting national energy resilience.

  • In Ghana, FPSOs have enabled rapid monetization of resources while avoiding the upfront costs of pipeline infrastructure.

These floating giants also play a role in the global shift to cleaner energy, as many incorporate gas reinjection, hybrid fuel systems, and data-driven efficiency upgrades in alignment with IMO 2023 GHG reduction measures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does FPSO stand for?
FPSO stands for Floating Production Storage and Offloading. These vessels process oil and gas extracted from subsea wells, store it onboard, and offload it to shuttle tankers.

Why are FPSOs important in offshore oil production?
They allow production in remote or ultra-deepwater fields without requiring pipelines or fixed infrastructure, making exploration more flexible and cost-effective.

How long can FPSOs operate without drydocking?
Typically 20–25 years. Some undergo offshore maintenance or periodic upgrades, extending their life beyond 30 years.

Are FPSOs environmentally friendly?
Many modern FPSOs are designed with reduced-flaring systems, produced water reinjection, and carbon capture units, aligning with the IMO’s GHG protocols and Class society rules (like ABS and DNV).

How are FPSOs different from traditional oil platforms?
Unlike fixed platforms, FPSOs are mobile, ship-shaped structures that can be relocated or reused in different fields, offering operational and economic flexibility.

Who regulates FPSO safety and classification?
Organizations like ABS, DNV, BV, and ClassNK, along with flag states, ensure FPSOs meet safety and operational standards.

What role do classification societies play in FPSOs?
They provide certification for design, construction, and operation to ensure compliance with international safety and environmental standards, as per IACS rules.

Conclusion: Floating Giants Powering Global Energy

The top 12 biggest FPSOs in the world represent the cutting edge of maritime and offshore engineering. Their ability to unlock hard-to-reach hydrocarbon reserves is reshaping the world’s energy supply, particularly in regions where traditional infrastructure is unfeasible.

From Brazil’s deep waters to Africa’s Atlantic shelf, these floating facilities are economic lifelines and technological flagships. As the industry moves toward digitalization and decarbonization, FPSOs are becoming smarter, cleaner, and more efficient—marking their place not just in today’s energy story, but in tomorrow’s energy transition.

Whether you’re a maritime professional, student, or curious enthusiast, understanding FPSOs is essential to grasp the complexities of modern offshore operations—and the engineering that powers the world beneath the waves.

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