Mothballing is a practical solution for FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) operators looking to keep their equipment in top condition during periods of inactivity.

In the fluctuating world of oil and gas, market demands can change overnight, and sometimes FPSOs need to be temporarily shut down.

Mothballing allows operators to preserve these massive offshore assets safely, ensuring they’re ready to get back to work without extensive repairs when production resumes.

What is Mothballing?

Mothballing is the process of preparing and protecting equipment when it’s not in use, effectively putting it in “hibernation.”

For FPSOs, this means safeguarding the entire structure and its components—pipelines, storage tanks, processing equipment, and more—from the elements that can cause corrosion and degradation.

This involves applying anti-corrosion coatings, using moisture control measures, and securely wrapping the equipment to prevent exposure to seawater, salt, and humidity.

When FPSOs sit idle, the harsh marine environment can quickly corrode unprotected parts. Mothballing helps FPSO operators avoid this issue by creating a protective shield around the equipment, keeping everything intact and ready for the next round of operations.

Why mothballing matters for FPSOs

For FPSO operators, mothballing isn’t just an optional extra; it’s a way to reduce costs, extend equipment life, and maintain uptime flexibility. Here’s why it matters:

1. Preventing costly repairs and downtime

Every day an FPSO sits idle without protection increases the risk of corrosion, which can lead to major repair costs.

According to industry insights, corrosion is a top contributor to unexpected maintenance costs.

By mothballing, operators reduce the risk of rust and other forms of degradation, which means fewer repair costs and less downtime when the FPSO is ready to go back into action.

2. Extending equipment life

Corrosion and wear don’t just cause downtime; they shorten the lifespan of essential equipment.

Parts like pipelines, storage tanks, and processing units are expensive to replace, and every bit of damage can chip away at an FPSO’s operational lifespan.

Mothballing protects these critical components from the harsh marine environment, ensuring that they remain in good condition, which ultimately extends the FPSO’s overall service life.

3. Ready for reactivation

One of the main benefits of mothballing is that it allows for a smooth and quick reactivation process.

When FPSOs are preserved through proper mothballing techniques, operators can bring them back online faster and more reliably.

There’s no need to deal with time-consuming repairs, safety checks, or environmental impact assessments that are often required for equipment that hasn’t been properly protected.

This quick reactivation ability is vital in an industry where downtime directly impacts profitability.

4. Reducing environmental impact

A well-preserved FPSO doesn’t just benefit the operators; it’s also better for the environment. When corrosion is minimized, there’s less risk of leaks, spills, and contamination, which can have devastating effects on marine ecosystems.

Mothballing is a proactive approach that helps FPSOs remain environmentally friendly by reducing the potential for corrosion-related damage.

In addition, keeping an FPSO in good condition reduces the need for extensive overhauls or part replacements, which lowers the carbon footprint associated with reactivating an idle unit.

How mothballing works: The Cocoon System

One effective approach to mothballing is using specialized protective systems like the Cocoon Mothballing System.

Cocoon Holland’s solution, for instance, involves creating a sealed environment around the FPSO equipment to keep out moisture, salt, and other corrosive elements.

This system is adaptable for different types of equipment, from large tanks to pipelines, and offers robust protection in harsh offshore conditions.

The Cocoon Mothballing System includes:

Anti-corrosion coatings to prevent rust and surface damage
Custom wraps for sealing off critical equipment from the elements
Humidity control measures that ensure equipment remains dry and corrosion-free
Simple application and easy maintenance, designed to keep costs low while maximizing protection

How Cocoon Holland can help FPSOs stay protected

For FPSO operators who need a reliable mothballing solution, Cocoon Holland offers an effective way to preserve equipment and reduce maintenance costs.

With their specialized Cocoon Mothballing System, FPSO operators can protect their assets from corrosion, keep downtime to a minimum, and ensure a smooth return to production when needed.

Cocoon Holland’s solutions are designed with the unique challenges of the offshore environment in mind, providing robust protection that helps extend the life and efficiency of FPSO assets.

If you’re looking for a proactive way to keep your FPSO in optimal condition during idle periods, Cocoon Holland has the expertise and products you need to keep corrosion at bay and be ready to reactivate with confidence.