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Norsul uses 4.0 technology

Performing large vessel surveys and inspections in a smarter and more innovative way. This is the work that is already being done by NORSUL, a navigation and logistics solutions company, together with Geosaker, a logistics startup that has developed a new survey methodology, bringing together 4.0 technology and the Internet of Things (IoT).

February 25, 2021

"NORSUL was already working with a focus on technological innovations and IoT and what these new dynamics can provide in terms of agility, cost reduction and efficiency gains in different areas of our company. In recent times, we have advanced even more with the presence of Geosaker's technical team" says Leonardo Brum, engineer and operational executive manager of NORSUL.

The result of a partnership between NORSUL and Geosaker, the venture was created in 2019. "In order to meet a specific need at NORSUL, we initially started employing drones for hull inspections, coupling this with efficient data management. We conducted more tests, and added other steps and solutions to our method, such as remote underwater vehicles (ROVs)," contextualizes Júlio Hermes, CEO of Geosaker.

The experience was so successful that, together, the companies developed a complete methodology for ship inspection. "Our method collects data in an integrated way and more efficiently using information through artificial intelligence and 4.0 technology. It also uses virtual and mixed reality to promote the sharing of information at a distance in live broadcasts and online and on-time interactions," adds Hermes.

Regarding the advantages of the new methodology, one of the highlights is the optimized use of resources that, before, by the traditional hull inspection process, were more costly. Another positive point is safety, since the risks of diving operations to observe the submerged structure were higher before the adoption of the new methodology. "The use of drones and remote underwater vehicles (ROVs) reduces costs in complex operations of diving at sea and guarantees more safety for divers, who start to perform these explorations already having a more accurate analysis of the repairs to be done," points out Leonardo Brum.

Those who think that the combination of innovation + technology + industry of things + IoT applied to the naval segment only brings gains for companies are mistaken. "In the case of NORSUL, for example, the development and adoption of intelligent, technology-mediated inspections came about, among other things, because of the efforts we have made in reducing fuel use by our vessels. With the underwater drones, we are able to monitor more closely the accumulation of fouling that increases the use of fuel and the reduction of the cargo-carrying capacity of our vessels," adds Leonardo Brum.

How do the inspections work?

On board the vessel, an ROV pilot technician guides the underwater drone on its inspection journey to capture images of the hull and other submerged elements. The ship's crew responsible for the inspections can actively participate in the observation of the structure by means of a simple smart phone. The process can also be followed through mixed reality glasses (which offer virtual images, but allow the user to see the surroundings). From a distance, with live and on-time transmission, NORSUL managers and Geosaker technicians can participate in routine inspections and analyses.

From above, aerial drones are responsible for capturing images, which can be either for regulatory or routine inspections.

For routine monitoring, there is also the possibility of installing cameras in the vessel's structure for constant asset management and other types of monitoring, such as the use of PPE and detection of risky behavior by employees to operations, the environment, the population, etc.

The information, coming from routine inspections, is gathered, stored, and processed by the Geosaker App, which prepares analyses and reports. The App also acts in the emission of immediate alerts to the crew in cases of nonconformities and noncompliance with rules and regulations on board.

NORSUL and Geosaker at the forefront of Industry 4.0

At a time when the demand for virtual processes is increasing, NORSUL and Geosaker make history. Together, they have created solutions that are not only able to reduce costs, increase operations, but also make it possible to establish new commercial and professional relationships, at a distance, but connected, within the naval segment,

For the oil and gas specialist and professor at Fundação Dom Cabral, Cláudio Makarovsky, the two companies are in fact aligned with the most current global trends for the future of the industry, the economy, and even society. "NORSUL and Geosaker invest in innovation, in the use of technology mobile, artificial intelligence and connectivity to rediscover new ways of doing things. What they have employed together in the naval segment is in line with what is employed by giants in the world market and in accordance with what is most modern in favor of the productivity of companies, but also in favor of a sustainable and socially responsible world", ends Makarovsky.

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