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Automated Solution With 3D Navigation Enables Remote And More Efficient Maintenance On Petrobras Platforms In Espírito Santo
Innovation From ES: The offshore maintenance automation project being developed by Petrobras in Espírito Santo is based on a system capable of generating three-dimensional models of oil platforms. These models replace 2D technical documents and are integrated into a comprehensive database of the equipment installed in the units.
With the new technology, engineers can navigate the platforms remotely, in a virtual environment similar to “street view”. The solution allows for visual inspections, precise measurements, and identification of corrosion points without the need to be physically present at the unit. “We were able to develop immersive navigation in a 3D environment that helps detect corrosion and verify parameters from a distance”, explained Ítalo Inocente.
The system also allows for simulating maintenance scenarios and planning interventions with greater precision. According to Ricardo Freitas, the major gain lies in accuracy: by knowing exactly what needs to be done, the work becomes faster and safer. This, in turn, drastically reduces the time the team spends on oil platforms, increasing operational efficiency.
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Artificial Intelligence Analyzes Images And Identifies Corrosion Points With Greater Accuracy On Oil Platforms
Another differentiator of the innovation from ES lies in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for processing images and information obtained during mapping. The AI automatically analyzes the records to identify corrosion points, which speeds up the definition of the areas that need to be treated with painting or specialized maintenance.
According to the developers, the goal of applying AI is not to replace professionals but to reduce uncertainties and increase the accuracy of analyses, which makes the work of the technical team easier.
“The algorithm is more precise and helps establish more efficient action plans, but it is still the human who makes the final decision”, highlighted Ítalo.
Additionally, Petrobras has adopted proprietary AI, similar to ChatGPT, focused exclusively on internal applications and information security. This tool is fed with external data but operates in a restricted manner within the company, supporting technicians in their daily routines.
Espírito Santo Has 10 Oil Platforms With Digitalization Process Underway By Petrobras
Currently, the State of Espírito Santo has 10 oil platforms in operation, all included in the scanning and 3D modeling process. The oldest of them, P-31, is already fully digitized. Now, the technical team is working on updating the parameters and integrating the data into the automated system.
The schedule provides for the continuation of photographic mapping across all units, with priority given to the most critical platforms or those with a higher volume of planned interventions. This process directly contributes to the implementation of a new maintenance planning model that combines technology, precision, and sustainability.
Lack Of Suppliers And Qualified Professionals Limits Technology Expansion In The State
Despite the advances, the expansion of the innovation from ES throughout the production chain still faces challenges. According to Ricardo Freitas, Petrobras has found it difficult to hire local suppliers capable of performing 3D mapping and processing the generated data. “In Espírito Santo, we are having to open bids for companies from outside,” he warned.
The most in-demand professionals in this new scenario are specialists in digital modeling, georeferencing, data analysis, and artificial intelligence applied to the industry. The gap in the technical training of these workers is forcing Petrobras to seek solutions outside the state, which increases the process cost and limits the speed of project expansion.
The technicians’ appeal is for educational institutions, innovation centers, and regional governments to invest in training local labor aimed at this new demand profile, which combines skills in engineering, IT, and data analysis. The use of automation brings benefits to all involved, including subcontractors, who are able to perform more services with less effort and greater safety.
Automation And Digitalization Are Seen As Essential For The Future Of The Oil And Gas Industry
The success of the project developed in Espírito Santo reinforces the trend that offshore maintenance automation will become increasingly essential for the oil and gas sector. By reducing the need for travel to the platforms and speeding up service execution times, technology consolidates itself as an ally of safety, productivity, and sustainability.
Furthermore, with the growing digitalization of industrial assets, companies like Petrobras can centralize information, predict failures earlier, and avoid unexpected shutdowns. “The great advantage of automation is to allow planning to be based on real data, captured in real time and processed by AI,” concludes Ricardo.
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