More Than 20 Drones Are Used by Transpetro to Enhance Operations and Manage Crises Efficiently.
Transpetro, a subsidiary of Petrobras, has been expanding the use of drones in its operations both on land and at sea, spread across Brazil. With more than 20 drones in operation, the company has demonstrated that technological innovation is directly linked to operational efficiency and safety. The investment in modern equipment, of different sizes and functionalities, has been considered a true revolution for the company, which stands out in the adoption of these tools in its daily actions.
The Expansion in the Use of Drones by Transpetro
The increase in the use of drones by Transpetro has been significant. The company currently uses more than 20 devices to conduct aerial monitoring of its operations nationwide. The unmanned aircraft are employed at both marine and land facilities, allowing the company to operate comprehensively and integratively.
Drones are essential for crisis and emergency management, providing real-time images that facilitate quick and accurate decision-making. The high technology embedded in the devices enables them to conduct night flights, offering visual support in low visibility environments, a critical factor in emergency operations.
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Modern Equipment for Critical Operations
Transpetro has acquired drones of various sizes and capabilities, suitable for a variety of operational scenarios. According to Raildo Viana, the company’s executive manager of safety, environment, and health (SMS), this diversity of models is a fundamental strategy to ensure the versatility of the services provided.
Among the highlights are flight autonomy and night vision capability, which allow for complete coverage of monitored areas. The company considers the adoption of this equipment a disruptive action, not only for improving efficiency but also for enhancing the safety of operations.
Features of the Drones Used by Transpetro:
- Flight Autonomy: allows for long operational periods without interruptions.
- Night Vision Capability: night flights with high image quality.
- Diverse Models: from small drones for hard-to-reach areas to large equipment for broader monitoring.
National Coverage: From North to South of the Country
The drones of Transpetro have the ability to operate anywhere in Brazil, from Coari, in Amazonas, to Rio Grande, in Rio Grande do Sul. This operational range is one of the key points for the company, which seeks to ensure that its operations are efficient in all scenarios, regardless of geographical conditions.
In addition, the company has trucks equipped with satellite antennas that ensure constant communication with headquarters, allowing for control of the drones and live transmission of images, even in remote areas. This way, Transpetro ensures that the communication flow is never interrupted, maintaining the efficiency and safety of its operations.
Emergency Use and Cooperation in Critical Cases
A relevant point about the use of drones by Transpetro is their ability to operate in emergency situations, often in events where the company has no direct involvement but collaborates with its expertise and equipment.
During the oil spill on the northeastern coast in 2019, for example, the company was one of the main support agents in containing the environmental disaster. More recently, Transpetro contributed to the recovery of water supply in Niterói (RJ) after an incident of toluene contamination. Although it did not transport the material, the company sent specialized teams to collaborate with government agencies, demonstrating Transpetro’s essential role in national emergencies.
Collaboration with environmental agencies and the Navy in cases of undefined oil spills is also an example of how the company uses its drones to contribute to environmental protection and the mitigation of damage to the ecosystem.
Recent Emergency Cases:
- Oil Spill in the Northeast (2019)
- Toluene Contamination in Niterói (2023)
- Orphan Oil Patches on the Brazilian Coast
Specialized Training for Drone Operation
One of the factors that guarantee the success of drone use by Transpetro is the specialized training offered to its contingency teams. Professionals are trained to operate various models of drones, mastering their functionalities and specific characteristics.
This training is crucial to ensure that drones are used as efficiently as possible, especially in crisis situations. With the technical knowledge acquired, operators can conduct precise monitoring and act quickly in emergencies, which increases the effectiveness of Transpetro’s operations.
Aspects of Team Training:
- Operation of drones with different flight autonomies.
- Use of drones for night vision in hard-to-reach areas.
- Continuous training for adaptation to new technologies.
Demonstration During the Contingency Workshop
In October 2023, Transpetro held a practical demonstration of its drones at the 1st Contingency Workshop in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). The event was an opportunity to show how drones have been utilized in critical and emergency operations.
The demonstration was attended by professionals from Petrobras and representatives from important agencies such as Ibama, the Brazilian Navy, Inea, Fire Department, and Civil Defense. The use of drones in the simulation reinforced the importance of these devices in ensuring quick and efficient responses in risky situations.
Participants of the Contingency Workshop:
- Petrobras
- Ibama
- Brazilian Navy
- Inea
- Fire Department
- Civil Defense
Procedures for Drone Operation
Every drone flight conducted by Transpetro must follow a strict protocol. The company is required to inform air traffic control about the use of the equipment 24 hours in advance to obtain the necessary authorization. However, in emergency situations, it is possible to request a special authorization, allowing for the immediate use of the drones.
This care is essential to ensure the safety of airspace and avoid possible interference in the operations of other aircraft. Transpetro also adopts strict measures to ensure that drones are operated in accordance with Brazilian regulations, contributing to the safety and effectiveness of its operations.
The use of drones by Transpetro has proven to be a technological revolution that directly impacts the efficiency and safety of the company’s operations. With more than 20 drones in operation, the company has been able to monitor its activities accurately, respond quickly in emergencies, and collaborate with public agencies in critical situations.
Furthermore, Transpetro stands out for investing in specialized training for its teams, ensuring that drones are operated efficiently and in compliance with safety regulations. With these innovations, the company positions itself as a reference in the use of drones in the industrial sector, with a disruptive approach that promises to continue evolving in the coming years.

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