Petrobras has conferred a 175-day addendum to Fugro’s inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM) services contract for the Fugro Aquarius vessel offshore Brazil.

This will now extend to fully remote subsea inspection surveys of shallow-water facilities, with work set to start in January.

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

It will be the first application of these systems by the company in the Americas, following projects offshore Australia, the UK and the Middle East.

The combination is said to cut carbon emission by 95%, through dispensing with onsite personnel, while also lessening the risks associated with conventional offshore IRM operations.

Fugro’s Remote Operations Center in Rio das Ostras will support the inspection program. The facility, close to Petrobras’ port of operations, can undertake a wide range of remote survey activities.