Smarter Seas: SLB and SBM Chart a Digital Future

SLB and SBM Offshore partner to bring real-time digital intelligence to FPSO operations worldwide

6 Jan 2026

A partnership between SLB and SBM Offshore is underlining how digital technology is becoming central to the operation of offshore oil and gas assets, as operators seek to improve efficiency and control costs.

The two companies have formed a data-focused alliance that combines SLB’s digital platforms and analytics with SBM Offshore’s experience in operating floating production systems. The agreement is aimed at using operational data to monitor, maintain and optimise floating assets over their full operating life.

Floating production, storage and offloading vessels, known as FPSOs, are a cornerstone of deepwater oil and gas development. They are particularly important in regions such as the US Gulf of Mexico, where floating systems account for a large share of offshore output.

Traditionally, FPSOs have relied on scheduled inspections and reactive maintenance. The new approach promoted by the alliance focuses on continuous, real-time performance data. By identifying early signs of equipment stress or failure, operators can plan maintenance more precisely, reduce unplanned shutdowns and protect production levels.

Industry executives say the move reflects a broader shift in offshore operations. As projects become more complex and margins tighter, digital capability is increasingly seen as a requirement rather than an optional add-on. Continuous visibility into asset performance is becoming essential for meeting reliability targets and managing capital more carefully.

For SBM Offshore, the partnership strengthens its position in a competitive market. FPSOs are long-term, capital-intensive investments, and oil companies are placing greater weight on lifetime operating costs when awarding contracts. Digital monitoring can support longer asset life and more predictable performance, both of which are becoming more influential in procurement decisions.

SLB, meanwhile, is extending its reach beyond drilling and subsurface work into production operations. By helping operators turn large volumes of operational data into practical insights, the company is positioning itself as a technology partner across the full offshore lifecycle.

The shift is not without obstacles. Integrating new digital systems with ageing assets can be complex, and concerns over data security remain. Even so, adoption is gathering pace. As offshore production evolves, digital readiness is increasingly a baseline expectation rather than a differentiator.