In a world where resource independence has become a business imperative, the way the oil and gas industry treats water in its operations has never been more relevant.
The evolution of FPSOs is remarkable. Modern vessels operate on a scale of production unmatched by previous generations, but this advancement brings with it a significant challenge: as productive capacity grows, the available space on deck becomes increasingly contested, making the design of water treatment systems one of the greatest engineering challenges in upstream projects.
Although the process itself: filtration, oxygen removal, and sulfate removal for well injection—is conceptually simple, spatial organization and design optimization are central themes throughout the execution phase. This is where solutions such as modularization and advanced membrane filtration take center stage, redefining standards of efficiency, safety, and sustainability in upstream operations.
It is in this context that Veolia applies its global expertise to develop and deliver water treatment systems specifically designed for the challenges of the offshore environment. With a consolidated portfolio in upstream projects around the world, the company combines cutting-edge technology, customer-focused engineering, and a sustainable vision to transform complexity into efficiency, from design to operation.
Modularization: Efficiency Beyond Space
The adoption of modular design has established itself as the most efficient response to these challenges. Its benefits go far beyond simple space savings:
- Optimized footprint: better distribution of membrane racks and more efficient use of the available deck area.
- Structural efficiency: balanced load distribution reduces the size of support foundations, generating direct benefits for the production deck. 1
- Consolidated technology: modular membrane-based systems are already established technologies in the offshore industry, simplifying maintenance planning and reducing operational risks.
- Environmental resilience: in regions with extreme climates, modules can be completely enclosed and protected, preserving equipment and speeding up integration with the vessel.
"The true differentiator of the modular approach is not just space savings, it’s in the intelligence of the design. When we distribute the load better, we simplify engineering, reduce costs, and deliver a safer and more efficient system to operate throughout the asset’s lifetime." Elio Finicelli, Offshore Commercial Director at Veolia | Water Tech.
Advanced Filtration: More Efficiency, Less Complexity
Replacing traditional multimedia filters with ultrafiltration (UF) systems represents a significant advancement in quality and efficiency. Ultrafiltration removes particles much more effectively than previously reached downstream membranes, extending the lifespan of these membranes from approximately three years to five years or more.
Even more impactful is replacing the conventional deaeration tower with membrane-based oxygen removal systems. The traditional tower is a vertical pressure vessel up to 30 meters high, depending on its base, and 350 tons in operation, requiring complex and robust foundations and causing total loss of process pressure, often necessitating additional booster pumps.
Membrane systems overcome these limitations directly:
- Up to 75% weight reduction
- Preservation of process pressure, eliminating the need for booster pumps in most configurations
- Simplified foundation engineering, replacing one of the most structurally critical points of the project
- Greater energy efficiency and reduction of CO₂ emissions, aligning with the industry’s decarbonization agenda
Discover Veolia’s membrane solutions for the oil and gas sector.
Practical Application: Proven Results in Offshore Operations
FPSO projects in operation around the world have already demonstrated the tangible benefits of the modular approach and advanced filtration:
- Completely enclosed and protected modules, adapted to extreme weather conditions;
- Elimination of conventional deaeration towers, replaced by integrated membrane systems;
- Significant reduction in integration hours during construction;
- Optimized weight distribution on the deck, reducing structural complexity;
- Direct impacts on costs, schedule, and project sustainability.
The modular approach is not just a design choice, it is an strategic decision with measurable returns in cost, timeline, and sustainability.
The Path to the Future
Modular solutions and advanced membrane filtration are not future trends, they are proven solutions that are already redefining the standard for upstream projects worldwide. Investing in innovative design means optimized CAPEX and OPEX, greater energy efficiency, and more sustainable projects.
In a scenario where Environmental Safety occupies an increasingly central role in organizations’ strategic decisions, Veolia acts as a global partner in the development of technological solutions that protect essential resources, optimize operations, and prepare the industry for the challenges of a constantly changing world. Because when innovation and purpose walk together, the result goes beyond efficiency, it is building a safer and 2
more sustainable future for the entire production chain.
Veolia develops customized solutions that combine proven technology, intelligent automation, and expertise, with flexible implementation models. For more information, visit https://www.watertechsolutions.com.br/industries/oil-gas-renewables or contact a specialist at: https://golatam.veoliawatertechnologies.com/pt-br/contato-brasil
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ABOUT VEOLIA
Veolia, a global leader in environmental services, works every day to build ecological security for the benefit of public health and the competitiveness of industries and regions. With 215,000 employees across five continents, working closely with local communities, and thanks to its cutting-edge technologies, the group cleans up pollution, reduces carbon emissions, and regenerates resources through concrete solutions that combine its expertise in water and water technologies, waste - including hazardous waste management, and local energy. In 2025, the Veolia group served 110 million people with drinking water and 97 million with sanitation, produced 45 million megawatt hours of energy, and treated 64 million tons of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE, Fortune 500, SBF 120) generated consolidated revenue of €44.4 billion in 2025. www.veolia.com
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CONTACTS
Maria Gabriela
Senior Marketing & Communications Consultant.
Water Tech
Cell.: +55 (11) 974 70 6592
maria.gabriela@veolia.com