Ambipar, a global leader in environmental solutions, and SBM Offshore, a global player in the ocean-infrastructure sector, announced an innovative solution for cleaning cargo oil tanks on floating production, storage, and offloading units (FPSOs).
Traditionally, cleaning these tanks involves significant health and safety risks for workers, who operate in restricted spaces under high temperatures and in contact with chemical residues.
The new approach, resulting from collaboration between the two companies, will implement technology to use remotely operated robots to carry out the process in a safe way, dramatically reducing confined space risks and potential casualties.
The technology has already been successfully applied to an FPSO in offshore operation. The robot removed heavy oily sludge, while the onboard team (POB) monitored the process remotely, 24-hours a day, from a safe location outside the tank.
This new system completely eliminates the need for people to enter the tanks during the cleaning activity, one of the most critical and dangerous steps in the operation, as well as reducing operational and environmental risks.
This solution represents a qualitative leap in operational safety, sustainability, and efficiency for the offshore industry, protecting workers’ lives, but also reducing operation time and the environmental impact of these activities.
“This robotic solution marks a turning point for the offshore industry. By automating a traditionally hazardous process, we are not only enhancing safety but also boosting operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact. It’s a clear demonstration of how innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand,” said Rogério Calderaro, Head Global of Industrial Services at Ambipar.
In addition to enhanced safety, the solution also reduces the costs and timeframes involved in the cleaning process, and could become a new standard for the sector.
The initiative aligns with both companies’ commitment to technological innovation and the transition to more sustainable operations in the oil and gas industry.
Jaap-Harm Westhuis, Technology, Innovation and Product Development Director at SBM Offshore said: “We are excited to announce this agreement with Ambipar. Together, we will be at the forefront of a new revolutionary approach to deliver cutting-edge solutions to eliminate human-related risks while delivering complex tasks such as the cleaning of oil tanks on FPSOs. This collaboration will enable companies to offer much safer working conditions for their crew, whilst protecting the environment.”
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