More than 20 drones are used by Transpetro to improve operations and manage crises efficiently.
A transpetro, a subsidiary of Petrobras, has been expanding the use of drones in its land and sea operations, distributed throughout 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 activities.
The expansion of the use of drones by Transpetro
The growth in the use of drones Transpetro has been significant. The company currently uses more than 20 pieces of equipment to perform aerial monitoring of its operations in Brazil. The unmanned aircraft are used in both maritime and land facilities, allowing the company to operate in a comprehensive and integrated manner.
Drones are essential for crisis and emergency management, providing real-time images that facilitate quick and accurate decision-making. The high-tech embedded in the devices allows them to perform nighttime overflights, 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 different sizes and capabilities, suitable for a variety of operational scenarios. According to Raildo Viana, the company’s executive manager for health, safety and environment (HSE), this diversity of models is a fundamental strategy to ensure the versatility of the services provided.
Among the highlights are the flight autonomy and nighttime viewing capability, which allow complete coverage of the monitored areas. The company considers the adoption of this equipment a disruptive action, not only for improving efficiency, but also for the safety offered to operations.
Features of the drones used by Transpetro:
- Flight autonomy: allows long periods of operation without interruptions.
- Night viewing capability: nighttime overflights with high image quality.
- Various models: from small drones for hard-to-reach areas to large equipment for broader monitoring.
National coverage: from north to south of the country
Transpetro's drones have the capacity to operate anywhere in Brazil, from Coari, in Amazonas, to Rio Grande, in Rio Grande do Sul. This operational scope 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 control of drones and transmission of live images, even in remote regions. In this way, Transpetro ensures that the flow of communication is never interrupted, maintaining the efficiency and safety of operations.
Emergency use and cooperation in critical cases
A relevant point about the use of drones by Transpetro is its ability to act in emergency situations, often in events where the company is not directly involved, but collaborates with its expertise and equipment.
During the oil spill on the northeast coast in 2019, for example, the company was one of the main agents supporting the containment of the environmental disaster. More recently, Transpetro contributed to the recovery of the 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 oil spills of unknown origin is also an example of how the company uses its drones to contribute to environmental protection and mitigation of damage to the ecosystem.
Recent emergency cases:
- Oil spill in the Northeast (2019)
- Toluene contamination in Niterói (2023)
- Orphan oil slicks on the Brazilian coast
Specialized training for drone operation
One of the factors that ensure the success of Transpetro's use of drones is the specialized training offered to its contingency teams. Professionals are trained to operate various drone models, mastering their specific features and characteristics.
This training is crucial to ensure that drones are used in the most efficient way possible, especially in crisis situations. With the technical knowledge acquired, operators can perform precise monitoring and respond quickly in emergencies, which increases the effectiveness of Transpetro’s operations.
Aspects of team training:
- Operation of drones with different flight autonomy.
- Use of drones for night viewing in hard-to-reach areas.
- Continuous training to adapt to new technologies.
Demonstration during the contingency workshop
In October 2023, Transpetro held a practical demonstration of the use of its drones during the 1st Contingency Workshop, in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). The event was an opportunity to show in practice how drones have been used in critical and emergency operations.
The demonstration was attended by Petrobras professionals and representatives of important agencies, such as Ibama, the Brazilian Navy, Inea, the Fire Department, and Civil Defense. The use of drones in the simulation reinforced the importance of this equipment to ensure an agile and efficient response in risk situations.
Contingency workshop participants:
- Petrobras
- Ibama
- Brazil's navy
- Here
- Fire Department
- Civil defense
Procedures for operating drones
Every drone flight carried out 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 in order to obtain the necessary authorization. However, in emergency situations, it is possible to request a special authorization, allowing immediate use of the drones.
This care is essential to ensure the safety of the 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.
Transpetro's use of drones has proven to be a technological revolution that has had a direct impact on 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, act quickly in emergencies and collaborate with government agencies in critical situations.
Furthermore, Transpetro stands out for its investment in specialized training for its teams, ensuring that drones are operated efficiently and in compliance with safety standards. With these innovations, the company is positioning 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.