Submarine Inspection Services Carried Out by SISTAC Utilize ROV and Follow International ABS Standards on the FPSO Cidade de Vitória, Operated by BW Energy
The Brazilian company SISTAC, a reference in inspection, maintenance, and repair of submerged structures in the oil and gas industry, has signed a contract with BW Energy, a Norwegian company.
The agreement provides for submarine inspection services on the FPSO Cidade de Vitória, installed in the Golfinho Field, in the Espírito Santo Basin.
Furthermore, according to the company itself, operations began in September 2025. At the same time, the estimated duration of the contract varies between six and nine months, depending on the progress of operational activities.
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According to institutional information disclosed by SISTAC and the operator BW Energy, the project involves detailed inspections and technical interventions carried out directly in the underwater environment.
Operation Utilizes ROV and Follows International ABS Standards
Initially, the work includes underwater visual inspection with ROV, which stands for Remotely Operated Vehicle.
Subsequently, the scope also includes the UWILD — Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Dry-Docking procedure.
This method allows underwater inspection to replace the dry-docking of the unit, which, therefore, reduces operational interruptions.
In addition, the entire process adheres to the technical requirements of the international classification society ABS — American Bureau of Shipping, an organization globally recognized in the maritime sector.
Among the activities carried out during the operation, the following stand out:
• Detailed inspections of the FPSO hull
• Assessments of the submerged structures of the unit
• Structural thickness measurements
• Possible underwater repairs when necessary
Thus, the main objective is to ensure the structural integrity of the floating production storage and offloading unit.
Moreover, the procedures contribute directly to the extension of the operational lifespan of the offshore unit.
Contract Strengthens Partnership Between SISTAC and BW Energy
According to Carlos Madaleno, CEO of SISTAC, the contract represents an important advancement in the commercial relationship between the companies.
According to the executive, the project reinforces the company’s specialization in UWILD operations.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the company continuously strives to exceed customer expectations through safety, innovation, and operational excellence.
Additionally, Madaleno stated that the qualification of SISTAC’s technical teams has contributed to consolidating clients’ trust in offshore projects.
SISTAC Esperança Vessel Supports Underwater Operations
To perform the services, the company uses the SISTAC Esperança vessel, a SDSV — Saturation Diving Support Vessel.
This is a Brazilian-flagged diving support vessel, equipped with specialized infrastructure.
Among the technical characteristics of the vessel, the following stand out:
• Jet propulsion system, which enhances operational safety
• Equipment for ROV operations
• Complete infrastructure for professional diving support
• Highly qualified multidisciplinary technical team
Thus, the jet system directly contributes to greater safety for divers and better efficiency in underwater operations.
Company Has Operated in the Offshore Sector for Three Decades
Founded in 1995, SISTAC has consolidated its operations in the Brazilian market for inspection and maintenance of submerged structures in the energy industry.
Currently, the company operates in open sea and sheltered waters along the entire Brazilian coast.
Moreover, the company maintains operational bases in Macaé and Niterói, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, supporting operations in the country’s main oil provinces.
Among the areas of operation, the following stand out:
• Santos Basin
• Campos Basin
• Espírito Santo Basin
Additionally, the company has its own fleet of vessels, professional divers, and technology based on ROVs, allowing interventions in hard-to-access submerged areas.
Recognition for Operational Excellence
In August 2025, SISTAC received, for the second consecutive year, the PEODIVE Award — Operational Excellence Program in Shallow Diving, awarded by Petrobras.
According to information disclosed by the Brazilian oil company, the award recognizes companies that maintain high standards of safety, technical quality, and efficiency in offshore diving operations.
Thus, the award reinforces the company’s commitment to operational excellence and compliance with international standards in the energy sector.
In light of this new contract with BW Energy, the company’s operations in the Golfinho Field, in the Espírito Santo Basin, now integrate another relevant project in the submarine inspections of offshore units.

CEO: Carlos Madaleno

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