Shell Brasil, MODEC, Shape Digital & Unicamp partner on AI-driven offshore safety

Shell Brasil, MODEC Brasil, Shape Digital and Unicamp have launched a 36-month R&D initiative to enhance offshore safety using AI, according to an Aug. 15 Shape Digital announcement.

The project will evolve Shape Reef, Shape Digital’s process safety tool, to detect degradation in safety barriers and gas leak risks in real time. Shape Reef, already deployed in Brazil, Mexico and Africa, will gain expanded capabilities.

"Safety is a non-negotiable asset for Shell Brasil. Investing in technology and innovation to improve risk management in offshore units is a central part of our operational excellence strategy. Partnerships like this allow us to anticipate failures, reduce uncertainties and increase the protection of people and the environment." 

—Olivier Wambersie, Director of Technology and Innovation, Shell Brasil

Funded by ANP’s RD&I clause, the collaboration integrates MODEC’s FPSO expertise in Brazil and Unicamp’s academic research to develop data-driven methodologies for risk estimation. The goal is smarter decision-making and safer offshore operations.

The project also builds on Unicamp’s prior works, including the Fuzzy BowTie and AI-based leak detection models.

MODEC will also provide relevant technical data and all the intellectual capital needed.

Earlier this year, Shape Digital also announced that Petrobras selected Shape Aura, its AI-based and capex-free platform, as one of the initiatives to support emission reduction and energy efficiency in its operation.