SBM Offshore and Ambipar have announced a new project to develop a robotic solution for cleaning the tanks of floating production, storage and offloading vessels (FPSOs).
FPSOs are a useful tool for oil companies to produce the oil needed to make fuel and industrial lubricants like gear oil and hydraulic oil. For example, ExxonMobil, which owns the Mobil lubricant brand, is operating four offshore of Guyana with more in the pipeline. Manually cleaning the storage tanks of oily sludge during maintenance can be a risky process, however.
The two companies therefore collaborated on a new approach that employs remotely controlled robots to perform the cleaning. The system has already been deployed on one FPSO. While the team on board constantly monitored the process from a safe location, the robotic system removed heavy sludge from the tank. By avoiding the need for human entry to perform this complicated task, the safety of the crew is improved.
Rogério Calderaro, the head of industrial services at Ambipar, said:
“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 is a clear demonstration of how innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand.”
The innovative approach could set a new gold standard for the industry with its compelling range of advantages. In addition to the clear safety and environmental benefits, the duration and cost of tank cleaning are both reduced.
