Fugro Remote Operations Center (ROC) opens in Brazil

Fugro has opened the Remote Operations Center (ROC) in Macae, Brazil and launched its first USV in the region – Fugro Vaquita. The ROC and USV are now under tests and are expected to start operations with Petrobras.

These news are following the information that Petrobras signed a 175-day addendum to Fugro’s current inspection, repair and maintenance services contract, performed by the Fugro Aquarius, to include fully remote subsea inspection surveys of shallow-water infrastructure in Brazil. Work will begin in January, leveraging Fugro’s advanced Blue Essence® uncrewed surface vessel (USV) and Blue Volta® electric remotely operated vehicle (eROV) technology to enhance inspection safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

🎤 “We’re thrilled to introduce the Blue Essence® and Blue Volta® technologies to Brazil for Petrobras,” said Felipe Vasconcellos, Fugro’s Brazil Country Manager. “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 state-of-the-art Remote Operations Center (ROC) in Rio das Ostras will support the upcoming inspection work. Strategically located near Petrobras’ port of operations, the ROC is equipped to handle a wide range of remote survey activities, positioning Fugro as the region’s leading provider of innovative Geo-data solutions for clients in the energy, infrastructure and water sectors.

⚙ USV Fugro Vaquita specifications:
🔹 Designer\Builder – SEA-KIT International
🔹 Model – Fugro Blue Essense \ SEA-KIT X-Class series
🔹 LOA – 12 m
🔹 Beam – 2.2 m
🔹 Draft – 2.3 m
🔹 Operating speed – 4 knots
🔹 Endurance – 17 days
🔹 Power system – 2 x 18kW 48 V DC
🔹 Propulsion – 2 X 10 kW / 1200 rpm
🔹 Connectivity – Satellite/Wi-Fi/4g/radio link
🔹 Radar – Simrad
🔹 Payload – Fugro Blue Volta eROV

📃 Source: Mark Heine, Fugro
📷 Photo: Mark Hein