Transpetro, a subsidiary in the Petrobras logistics area, put into practice an unprecedented way to survey oil ships. With the help of drones, the company has performed mandatory inspection in cargo tanks that carry tons of oil. The procedure makes vessels less time away from the operation and represents financial gain of up to R $ 1 million per operation.
The first oil company to receive the certification after the structural survey by drones was João Cândido. The procedure was performed at the end of July, in Guanabara Bay, in Rio de Janeiro, and the certification was obtained last Sunday (3), by American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), international classification, focused on maritime security.
The new form of inspection of ships consists of using drones equipped with high resolution cameras and ultrasound technology. Devices are able to access difficult areas such as tanks, hooves, ducts and confined spaces. The technology verifies the thickness of loading tanks and the need for preventive or corrective maintenance due to possible corrosion points or cracks.
Data are stored and transmitted in real time to a monitoring center and accompanied by company and ABS experts.
LESS TIME STOPPED
The pioneering way of conducting surveys represents time, accuracy and security gain. In traditional form, it is necessary to use industrial climbers, scaffolding or use of boats, and the check takes a week. With drones in time of inactivity is reduced to three or four days.
With fewer days out of operation, Transpetro gets financial gains. Depending on the ship’s daily revenue, the amount can reach $ 1 million per inspection.
Transpetro Maritime Transport Director Jones Soares says this certification allows to inaugurate in Brazil a way to do oil inspections.
“The use of technology does not require the need for human access to confined spaces during inspection, contributing to an even safer work environment. In addition, we also have financial gains.”
The certificate obtained by vessels attests to insurers and port authorities that the ship meets the international standards required for the type of navigation and cargo transported.
Drone helps Transpetro save up to $ 1 million in ship inspection. Transpetro/Disclosure
Implementation in the fleet
The company informed the Brazil agency That, after the successful experience in João Cândido, this type of survey can be applied to another 14 of the 33 company ships that have ABS certification. The subsidiary adds that it prepares to expand the technique to the other vessels.
“In many ports, the presentation of proof of recognized agencies is a requirement for mooring and operation,” says Soares.
ABS -certified oil tankers undergo compulsory survey every two and a half years. The next is scheduled for the Palmares Zumbi Ship in the first half of 2026.
Petrobras’ largest subsidiary, Transpetro operates 48 terminals, 27 waterfalls and 21 land, and approximately 8.5 thousand kilometers of ducts. The company is the largest multimodal logistics company of oil, derivatives and biofuels in Latin America and provides services to distributors, petrochemicals and other companies in the oil and gas sector.
