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GCCs in India have matured significantly, evolving from cost centers to strategic hubs, says Brathaban Karuppaiah, General Manager, SBM Offshore India

GCCs in India have matured significantly, evolving from cost centers to strategic hubs, says Brathaban Karuppaiah, General Manager, SBM Offshore India

Our focus remains on cultivating specialized skills that are essential for the FPSO industry

Can you provide an overview of SBM Offshore’ s GCC operations in India, including its key focus areas?
SBM Offshore India, a fully owned subsidiary of SBM Offshore, is based in Bengaluru and supports the company’s global Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation and Operations (EPCIO) projects. These projects span engineering, supply chain, project management, project controls, fleet operations, and digital solutions, contributing to both greenfield and brownfield FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) projects in the offshore oil and gas industry. The primary focus of our Bengaluru office is to develop specialized capabilities within our teams. This includes establishing front-end engineering design capabilities, establishing centralized supply chain hubs, building a team of package managers in project management, strengthening our asset integrity team in fleet operations, and advancing Power Platform development within digital development and innovation. Our goal is to cultivate specialized skills rather than simply expand capacity.

How does the India team contribute to your global talent strategy for SBM Offshore?
In a competitive FPSO sector within offshore oil and gas, SBM Offshore recognizes India’s rich talent pool as a strategic asset. Since beginning operations in September 2019, our India team has steadily grown, supporting global FPSO projects and adding unique value. Beyond EPC activities, SBM Offshore manages FPSO installation and operations, offering Indian professionals hands-on experience with construction yards and operating fleets. This mobility enables our India team to deliver end-to-end project services, effectively supporting our global talent strategy. Additionally, Bengaluru’s digital talent significantly strengthens our global digital development and innovation team.

What strategies are being employed at the India to attract and retain top engineering and technical talent to support EPCI projects globally, and what key innovations are emerging to enhance these operations?
At SBM Offshore India, our strategy for attracting and retaining top engineering and technical talent centers on creating a well-rounded, rewarding experience that aligns with both individual career goals and global project objectives. Supporting EPCI projects worldwide requires a skilled and committed workforce, so our approach is designed to meet employee needs across three key areas:
Compensation and benefits: We offer a competitive, market-aligned compensation package with comprehensive benefits, including health and term insurance for employees and families, educational allowances, annual health check-ups, and support for higher education—creating a balanced, attractive offering
Learning and development: We prioritize continuous learning with global assignments, targeted training in technical and soft skills, and leadership programs. Regular feedback, career progression maps, and intercompany movement empower employees to advance within SBM Offshore
Work environment: Our supportive, diverse, and inclusive culture, flexible working hours, and hybrid work options foster a positive experience. Engagement activities, such as celebrating project milestones, local festivals, and sports tournaments, further enrich the workplace. Uniquely, our employees gain exposure to the entire project lifecycle, making their roles highly rewarding

How is SBM Offshore leveraging digital transformation and technology to improve efficiency in engineering and supply chain domains?
SBM Offshore continuously innovates within its digital landscape to streamline operations. Key initiatives include:
Streamlining workflows: Enhancing engineering, supply chain, project management, and project control through optimized workflows
Automation and efficiency: Automating repetitive tasks to accelerate workflows and approvals
Data integration and analysis: Enabling real-time data analysis and visualization for informed decision-making
Custom solutions: Developing tailored applications with minimal coding requirements
Cost savings and enhanced collaboration: Reducing operational costs through automation and data management, while facilitating improved team collaboration
Since 2019, we have integrated AI solutions in various areas, such as FPSO operations time-series data, computer vision, and text analysis. Notable partnerships include our collaboration with Microsoft on the Power Platform and Fabric until 2027 and a five-year agreement starting in 2024 to implement Aize software across our global fleet.

What key safety initiatives does SBM Offshore have in place to protect your workforce?
SBM Offshore prioritizes workforce safety, crucial as an FPSO operator involved in the asset lifecycle management. Key safety initiatives include:
Design and operational integration: Continuously incorporating operational feedback into future asset design to maintain high HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, and Environment) standards
Target excellence program: Aiming for "No Harm, No Leak, No Defect" with unit-specific HSSE plans that incorporate lessons learned
Comprehensive workforce safety measures: Proactive safety measures across offices, fleets, and construction yards, such as rigorous on boarding and trainings, a buddy system, management site visits, workforce observations, regular safety campaigns, and daily toolbox talks
Each year, SBM Offshore also holds "Life Day", a day dedicated to safety awareness and assessment, with employees, partners, and clients coming together to reinforce their commitment to safety.

What key ESG initiatives do SBM Offshore have in place to promote sustainability and social responsibility?
SBM Offshore is committed to sustainability, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050 and a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Locally, our India office supports the Round Table School (RTS), helping to improve educational infrastructure for underprivileged children, underscoring our commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

How do you see the Global Capability Centers (GCCs)in India evolving, and what role do you envision for SBM Offshore in that space?
GCCs in India have matured significantly, evolving from cost centers to strategic hubs of innovation and operational excellence. Initially established to capitalize on cost arbitrage, GCCs have recognized the potential to streamline processes, standardize operations, and enhance global delivery. As GCCs in India continue to evolve, they are increasingly focused on digital transformation, embracing cutting-edge technologies to improve efficiency, agility, and responsiveness to market dynamics. Additionally, GCCs are prioritizing innovation, developing innovative solutions to address complex challenges and drive business growth. Furthermore, sustainable growth is a key focus area, with GCCs adopting sustainable practices and contributing to a greener future. Since our establishment in India in 2019, our GCC has rapidly evolved, expanding its service offerings beyond traditional engineering roles. We now provide a comprehensive range of services, including supply chain management, project management, fleet operations, and digital solutions. By leveraging India’s skilled workforce and technological advancements, our GCC actively contributes to global initiatives, driving standardization, efficiency, and innovation.

Lastly, what are your growth plans for operations in India?
Our focus remains on cultivating specialized skills that are essential for the FPSO industry. We are dedicated to supporting global projects and contributing to SBM Offshore’s innovation and technology initiatives. We look forward to expanding our India presence, nurturing talent, and making impactful contributions to our industry.




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