Fugro has announced the extension of an existing inspection, repair and maintenance services contract for the Fugro Aquarius with Petrobras by 175 days.

The initiative, which is set to commence in January, aims to enhance the safety, efficiency and sustainability of shallow-water infrastructure inspections.

Fugro will use its advanced Blue Essence uncrewed surface vessel (USV) and Blue Volta electric remotely operated vehicle (eROV) technology.

This contract marks Fugro's first deployment of these innovations in the Americas, following their successful use in Australia, the UK and the Middle East.

This technology eliminates the need for personnel at the site, thereby reducing associated carbon emissions by 95%.

The approach not only lowers the environmental impact but also diminishes the risks linked to conventional offshore activities. Additionally, it offers clients near real-time access to project data, which fosters quicker decision-making processes.

Fugro Brazil country manager Felipe Vasconcellos said: “We are thrilled to introduce the Blue Essence and Blue Volta technologies to Brazil for Petrobras.

“This fully remote solution aligns with our shared commitment to responsible energy development and builds upon recent collaborations to introduce remote survey techniques in the region.

“Conducting offshore work from the safety and comfort of an onshore office environment allows us to reduce our environmental impact and enhance our operational safety, while delivering high-quality inspections.”

Fugro's remote operations centre (ROC) in Rio das Ostras will facilitate the inspection work.

Located in proximity to Petrobras' operations port, the ROC is adept at managing a broad spectrum of remote survey activities.

Earlier this year, Fugro was awarded a marine survey contract by Inpex Masela, a subsidiary of Inpex Corporation, for the Abadi LNG project in Indonesia.

The project is expected to enhance energy security for Indonesia, Japan and other Asian nations.

Fugro will carry out geophysical and geotechnical surveys to support the front-end engineering design of offshore production facilities, a submarine pipeline to the onshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and CO₂ injection infrastructure.