Energyfact! Floating Production Storage and Offloading Unit, FPSO

June 6, 2020 | Oil & Gas | Energy Facts Staff Writer | 2min

A Floating Production Storage and Offloading unit, or FPSOs, is a floating vessel used by the offshore oil and gas industry for the production and processing of hydrocarbons, and for the storage of oil.

The basic design of most FPSOs encompasses a ship-shaped vessel, with processing equipment, or topsides, aboard the vessel’s deck and hydrocarbon storage below in the double hull. After processing, an FPSO stores oil or gas before offloading periodically to shuttle tankers or transmitting processed petroleum via pipelines.

FPSO Diagram