Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) are a routine but high-risk reality on Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. SIMOPS occur when two or more activities are carried out at the same time, where one activity may impact the safety or integrity of another.
Because FPSOs combine production, marine, maintenance, lifting, and accommodation activities in a confined space, poor SIMOPS control has the potential to escalate into major accidents. This article provides a comprehensive guide to SIMOPS management on FPSOs, including planning, risk assessment, control measures, roles, and best practices.
What Is SIMOPS on an FPSO?
SIMOPS refers to the planned or unplanned execution of multiple activities concurrently, where interaction between tasks could introduce additional hazards.
On FPSOs, SIMOPS are unavoidable due to:
- Continuous production requirements
- Limited offshore campaign windows
- Space constraints
- Weather and marine dependencies
Effective SIMOPS management ensures that operational efficiency is achieved without compromising safety.
Common SIMOPS Scenarios on FPSOs
Typical FPSO SIMOPS combinations include:
- Production during crude oil offloading
- Lifting operations near live process equipment
- Maintenance during live production
- Hot work during shutdown preparation
- Marine operations alongside deck activities
- Helicopter operations during routine maintenance
Each combination introduces interaction risks that must be assessed and controlled.
Why SIMOPS Are High Risk on FPSOs
SIMOPS increase risk because they:
- Reduce margins for error
- Increase workload and distraction
- Introduce conflicting priorities
- Create complex emergency response scenarios
A minor deviation in one activity can rapidly impact another, leading to:
- Hydrocarbon release
- Fire or explosion
- Dropped objects
- Collision or loss of containment
SIMOPS are therefore treated as major accident hazard contributors.
SIMOPS Management Framework on FPSOs
SIMOPS management is embedded within the FPSO Safety Management System (SMS) and integrated with:
- Permit to Work (PTW)
- Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)
- Management of Change (MOC)
- Emergency Response Plans
The objective is to ensure SIMOPS are identified, assessed, approved, monitored, and controlled.
SIMOPS Identification and Planning
Early Identification
SIMOPS should be identified during:
- Weekly and daily planning meetings
- Maintenance planning
- Marine and offloading scheduling
- Shutdown and startup planning
Early identification allows for risk-based decision making rather than last-minute compromises.
SIMOPS Planning Tools
- SIMOPS matrices
- Activity interaction charts
- Deck and area zoning plans
- Daily activity coordination meetings
SIMOPS Risk Assessment
Each SIMOPS scenario requires a specific risk assessment, often documented as:
- SIMOPS risk assessment
- Task-based JHA
- Bow-tie analysis for complex activities
Key Risk Assessment Questions
- Can activities safely coexist?
- What are the worst-case interaction scenarios?
- Are additional controls required?
- Should activities be separated in time or space?
Where risks cannot be reduced to an acceptable level, SIMOPS must not proceed.
Permit to Work (PTW) Integration
The PTW system is the primary control mechanism for SIMOPS.
PTW Controls for SIMOPS
- Cross-referencing permits
- Identifying conflicting permits
- Defining restricted zones
- Specifying additional control measures
- Assigning SIMOPS supervision
No SIMOPS activity should proceed without explicit PTW authorization.
Physical and Operational Controls for SIMOPS
Physical Controls
- Area barricading and zoning
- Restricted access control
- Temporary removal of non-essential personnel
- Separation distances for lifting and hot work
Operational Controls
- Reduced production rates
- Temporary shutdown of specific systems
- Dedicated communications channels
- Increased supervision
These controls help prevent unintended interactions.
Roles and Responsibilities in SIMOPS Management
Offshore Installation Manager (OIM)
- Overall authority for SIMOPS approval
- Final decision on whether SIMOPS can proceed
Area Authority
- Coordinates activities within assigned areas
- Ensures PTW and SIMOPS controls are implemented
Performing Authorities
- Execute work in accordance with permits and JHAs
- Stop work if conditions change
Control Room Operators
- Monitor process conditions
- Coordinate alarms, shutdowns, and communications
Clear accountability is essential for SIMOPS success.
Communication and Coordination
Effective SIMOPS management relies on clear, continuous communication.
Key Communication Tools
- Daily coordination meetings
- Toolbox talks
- Permit handovers
- Radio discipline and protocols
All personnel must understand:
- What activities are happening
- Where SIMOPS zones are located
- What to do in an emergency
SIMOPS During Marine and Offloading Operations
Marine and offloading activities represent one of the highest-risk SIMOPS environments.
Additional Controls Include
- Suspension of certain deck activities
- Lift restrictions near manifolds
- Clear abort criteria
- Enhanced marine monitoring
Offloading SIMOPS are closely linked to emergency disconnection procedures.
Emergency Response During SIMOPS
Emergency response planning must consider worst-case SIMOPS scenarios.
Key Considerations
- Multiple work teams affected simultaneously
- Conflicting escape routes
- Increased personnel exposure
Emergency response always takes priority over SIMOPS, and all work must stop immediately when alarms are activated.
Monitoring, Review, and Stop-Work Authority
SIMOPS conditions must be continuously monitored.
Work must be stopped if:
- Environmental conditions change
- Controls are compromised
- Unplanned activities arise
- Personnel competence is questioned
Stop-work authority applies to everyone onboard, regardless of role or seniority.
Common SIMOPS Failures on FPSOs
Common causes of SIMOPS incidents include:
- Poor planning
- Inadequate risk assessment
- Weak supervision
- Breakdown in communication
- Complacency during routine SIMOPS
Learning from near misses and incidents is critical to prevent recurrence.
Best Practices for Effective SIMOPS Management
Effective FPSO SIMOPS management includes:
- Conservative decision making
- Clear leadership authority
- Strong PTW discipline
- Competent supervision
- Continuous communication
- Regular audits and reviews
Good SIMOPS management balances operational efficiency with safety excellence.
Conclusion
SIMOPS are an inevitable part of FPSO operations, but they do not have to result in incidents. With:
- Robust planning
- Disciplined PTW integration
- Clear roles and communication
- Strong leadership oversight
FPSOs can safely manage complex simultaneous activities while maintaining production and protecting people, assets, and the environment.
Related FPSO Articles
- HSSE and Permit to Work Systems on FPSOs
- Marine and Offloading Operations on FPSOs
- FPSO Emergency Response and Crisis Management
- Process Safety and Major Accident Hazards Offshore
