Petrobras And Microsoft Partner To Promote Accident Prevention

Companies Will Implement Unique Artificial Intelligence System on Petrobras Drill Ship, Focusing on Operational Safety

A pilot project aimed at integrating machine learning concepts and high-resolution cameras for vessels operating offshore is being developed by Petrobras in partnership with Microsoft. This project is equally funded by both companies, and the state-owned company hopes to implement the mechanism in all of its vessels in the medium to long term. See also that Petrobras will begin drilling the first wells in Phase I of the Mero Field.

The system, which is unprecedented in Brazil, will be capable of automatically identifying, through algorithms, operational safety risks in the images recorded by the cameras, being able to capture deviations and incidents, such as the obstruction of escape routes. “The goal is to allow the machine to understand situations that may result in accidents so we can work on solutions to mitigate these risks,” informs Petrobras’s technical consultant, Hardy Pereira Pinto.

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According to Hardy, the demand arose from the well construction area on drill ships. “Today, we have a good safety standard compared to the rest of the industry. But we value the constant pursuit of improving this rate, and artificial intelligence can help a lot,” says the technical consultant from Petrobras.

The director of advanced technology laboratories at Microsoft Brazil, Luiz Sérgio Pires, informs that the first phase of implementing the pilot project on the drill ship NS-38 was completed in September. It is estimated that 20 to 24 cameras will be installed on this vessel. “Petrobras is a pioneer in this project with us. It is a highly interesting area for us, especially in a unique partnership in Brazil,” explains Pires.

The Microsoft director further adds that the artificial intelligence system being developed will always require the analysis of a specialized employee, who must assess the captured situation and determine the best procedure to execute in that specific case. “We do not see the replacement of humans by artificial intelligence, but rather mutual assistance,” highlights Pires.

Currently, the system is producing automatic risk alerts by identifying access to restricted zones and inappropriate use of safety equipment, benefiting about 180 workers and a total of 300 people on offshore drill ships.

See Also

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• At Least Five Shipyards Will Build the Next FPSOs in the Libra and Pre-Salt Areas of Santos Basin