Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels are at the center of a growing number of offshore oil and gas developments, especially in locations where fixed platforms aren’t viable. But building and outfitting these massive, mobile production systems presents significant technical, logistical, and operational challenges.

This article explores what makes FPSO projects uniquely complex and highlights how, as a leading pipes and fittings supplier in the UAE, Gerab National Enterprises supports their success through proven supply chain reliability, certified materials, and deep offshore expertise.
FPSOs have become a preferred solution in certain environments, particularly deepwater or remote fields. These vessels process hydrocarbons, store crude oil, and transfer it to tankers for transport to shore-based facilities. They help unlock reserves that would otherwise be difficult or uneconomical to access.
Although FPSOs offer compelling advantages, they also demand careful coordination, precision engineering, and unbroken supply chains. This is where Gerab plays a critical supporting role.

Complexity Below the Surface

FPSO projects often involve multi-million-dollar investments. Each vessel integrates several processing modules, including oil and gas separation units, water treatment systems, and fuel gas handling. These modules must operate in parallel, on a confined floating platform, and under continuous exposure to offshore environmental conditions.
The equipment that connects these systems, such as pipes, flanges, valves, and fittings, must meet strict performance standards. They need to withstand fluctuating pressures, corrosive fluids, and thermal stress, often over long operating lifespans. The margin for error is incredibly small, and reliability in supply and installation is vital.

Gerab’s Role in Supporting System Performance

Gerab National Enterprises plays an important in the success of FPSO projects by supplying high-quality, certified piping products and by providing logistical and technical support throughout the project lifecycle. Its contributions include:

  • Material Availability and Specialization: Gerab provides a broad range of offshore-grade materials, including carbon steel fittings, alloy steel pipes, and stainless steel pipe options. These materials are selected based on module-specific performance criteria, such as corrosion resistance or thermal stability.
  • Compliance with Offshore Standards: Gerab works exclusively with approved manufacturers and ensures that all materials are fully documented and traceable. Products meet the international codes and standards that are required for offshore applications.
  • Readiness through Value-Added Services: Gerab supports project efficiency by offering coating, lining, and prefabrication services. These reduce on-site processing time and ensure components are ready for integration as soon as they arrive.
  • Inventory and Delivery: As a trusted pipe supplier in UAE with over 25,000 tons of stock across regional hubs in the Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, Gerab meets the rapid-response needs of offshore operations. Their logistics teams work to match delivery timelines with project schedules, helping to avoid material-driven delays.

Gerab’s Experience with FSPO Projects

Gerab has a strong track record in supporting FPSO developments across multiple regions, delivering a broad range of critical materials for both newbuild and brownfield projects, as evidenced by the following examples:

Angola (BP) – Brownfield Modifications, Maintenance & Operations (FPSO Angola)
Gerab supplied a wide range of products in support of the MRO scope. The supply included multiple product lines, extending beyond Gerab’s traditional scope.

Angola (TotalEnergies ) – Kaminho FPSO Project
Gerab is currently supplying the ongoing Saipem’s Kaminho Project with a variety of stainless steel pipes.

Brazil (Petrobras)
Successfully delivered a Nickel Alloy seamless pipe package for topside modules totalling around 50 metric tonnes of pipes of up to 10” with a wall thickness of 31.73 mm.

UAE (Dubai Drydocks) – Various FPSO Projects
Our teams have provided materials for multiple FPSO topside fabrication projects executed at Dubai Drydocks.

Responding to Offshore Realities

Offshore oil and gas projects are prone to being affected by unpredictable delays. These can be caused by environmental factors, tight installation windows, or misaligned supply timelines. Gerab helps reduce such risks by forecasting material requirements and ensuring availability. Its inventory planning and delivery precision contribute to smoother project execution, particularly in high-stakes environments like FPSO developments.

While FPSO projects can deliver significant economic and logistical benefits, they also bring unique engineering and procurement demands. Gerab supports these projects by providing reliable access to the pipes and fittings that these projects demand, ensuring specification compliance, and delivering value-added services that reduce installation friction.

To talk to an expert about your upcoming FPSO project, contact us today.