Current Volume 8
A Conceptual Framework for Process Automation Maturity in Offshore Oil and Gas Floating Production Systems
Abstract
The offshore oil and gas industry is increasingly dependent on Floating Production Systems (FPS) such as Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading units (FPSOs) and Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) platforms to exploit remote and deepwater reserves. These complex, high-risk environments demand advanced process automation to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations. However, the adoption and effectiveness of automation technologies in these systems vary widely across the industry. There is a critical need for a structured approach to assess and guide the maturity of process automation capabilities specific to offshore floating production systems. This proposes a conceptual framework for evaluating and advancing process automation maturity in offshore FPS environments. The framework is structured around four key dimensions: technical capabilities, organizational readiness, process integration, and data/digitalization maturity. Each dimension is assessed across five maturity levels—Initial, Managed, Standardized, Integrated, and Optimized—providing a comprehensive view of an organization’s current automation status and future development path. The framework draws from existing automation maturity models and adapts them to the unique operational, environmental, and safety challenges of offshore facilities. It emphasizes not only the technological components, such as control systems and real-time analytics, but also organizational factors like workforce competence, management support, and digital culture. By offering a diagnostic tool and roadmap, the proposed model enables offshore operators, engineers, and decision-makers to benchmark their automation practices, identify gaps, and prioritize investments. Furthermore, the framework supports strategic alignment between automation initiatives and broader goals such as digital transformation, operational excellence, and sustainability. The conceptual framework lays the foundation for future empirical validation and can be adapted for various offshore asset types. It serves as a valuable guide for enhancing automation maturity, ultimately improving safety, performance, and resilience in offshore oil and gas production operations.
Keywords
Conceptual framework, Process automation, Maturity, Offshore oil, Gas floating, Production systems
Citations
IRE Journals:
Andrew Tochukwu Ofoedu , Joshua Emeka Ozor , Oludayo Sofoluwe , Dazok Donald Jambol
"A Conceptual Framework for Process Automation Maturity in Offshore Oil and Gas Floating Production Systems" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 3 Issue 9 2020 Page 334-349
IEEE:
Andrew Tochukwu Ofoedu , Joshua Emeka Ozor , Oludayo Sofoluwe , Dazok Donald Jambol
"A Conceptual Framework for Process Automation Maturity in Offshore Oil and Gas Floating Production Systems" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 3(9)
About IRE Journals
IRE Journals is an open access online journals established with an aim to publish high quality of research work in various diciplines. We have more than 6 years in publications. Over 2500+ papers already published.
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