Wilson Sons’ pioneering initiative uses drones for document delivery to offshore vessels, increasing safety, reducing emissions, and accelerating logistics operations in the oil and gas sector.
Initially, Wilson Sons, a port and maritime logistics operator with over 188 years of experience, began unprecedented drone operations in Guanabara Bay. Furthermore, the initiative involves delivery and collection of documents for offshore support vessels (PSVs). This operation enhances efficiency and reinforces safety in the sector.
Since April 6, tests have been conducted with the support of the Rio Offshore Support Base, as reported by Wilson Sons itself. Previously, however, the technology had already been applied in the Port of Salvador last year. Therefore, it represents a progressive operational evolution within the company.
Furthermore, the drones used belong to Speedbird Aero, a company specializing in unmanned aerial systems. According to the company, over a thousand flights have already been carried out in the offshore sector in Singapore. Thus, international experience reinforces the viability of the operation in Brazil.
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To enable the project, all authorizations were issued by regulatory bodies. Among them, the National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) and the Department of Airspace Control (Decea) stand out. In this way, the operation fully complies with legal and technical requirements.
Currently, tests are taking place within the Proof of Concept phase. In this regard, the main objective is to verify the technical and operational viability of the technology in the Brazilian offshore environment. Therefore, the results obtained will be crucial for future expansions.
Operational efficiency and time reduction
Practically, drones transport light documents, weighing up to five kilograms. Furthermore, the route between the base and the vessels is about eight kilometers. As a result, the average delivery time is reduced to up to nine minutes.
Consequently, operational agility increases significantly. At the same time, the need for conventional displacements is reduced. Thus, the process becomes more efficient and safer for the teams involved.
According to Rodrigo Lopes, Operations Manager of Wilson Sons’ maritime agency, the use of drones represents a milestone in the logistics and port sector. He also emphasizes that the technology contributes to safer and more efficient operations.
Sustainability and innovation in the offshore sector
In parallel, the adoption of drones also directly impacts sustainability. This is because there is a reduction in the use of smaller vessels for deliveries. Consequently, there is a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.
According to Edwardo Valverde, General Manager of Wilson Sons’ Offshore Support Bases, the technology strengthens environmental goals. Furthermore, it contributes to the sustainable development of the offshore energy industry in Brazil.
Therefore, the initiative aligns with global demands for decarbonization. At the same time, it reinforces the company’s strategy of investing in technological innovation.
Wilson Sons’ structure and operations
Currently, Wilson Sons serves over 5,000 clients in various economic sectors. Among them are shipowners, importers, exporters, and offshore energy companies. Furthermore, the company also operates in renewable energy projects and agribusiness.
With national coverage, the company consolidates itself as a reference in integrated logistics solutions. Thus, the implementation of drones reinforces its strategic position in the market.
Thus, by integrating technology, efficiency, and sustainability, Wilson Sons expands its operational capabilities. Given this, could the adoption of drones in the Brazilian offshore sector consolidate as a new logistics standard in the coming years?

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