Air Mobility in the Offshore Environment: Lessons Learned from the Use of Cargo RPA on Oil Rigs in Sergipe Basin, Aracaju
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/jatm.v18.1464Keywords:
Bowtie, Lessons learned, O&G Basin, Remotely piloted aircraft proof of concept, Specific operational risk assessment, Safety assurance and integrity levelAbstract
This study presents lessons learned from a proof of concept evaluating the feasibility of using remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) for small cargo transport in offshore oil and gas operations in the Sergipe Basin, Brazil. Conducted by Petrobras in partnership with Speedbird Aero, the proof of concept involved 27 missions across 12 platforms and the Inácio Barbosa Maritime Terminal port, achieving up to 36% reduction in logistical service time and CO2 emissions. The analysis employed the Bowtie methodology in conjunction with the specific operational risk assessment (SORA) framework to evaluate operational risks. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) expertise over lessons learned and the Project Management Institute oriented framework for lessons learned were used to identifying critical factors such as environmental monitoring, airspace integration, electromagnetic interference, and contingency coordination with aeromedical flights. Technical insights include the use of portable anemometers, geofencing strategies, and moving baseline global positioning system (GPS) technology to mitigate navigation challenges. Operational recommendations emphasize improved information management, horizontal signage, and periodic team training. Results confirm the technical and economic viability of RPAs in offshore environments and highlight their potential contribution to advanced air mobility ecosystems like the research (safety assurance and integrity level II). These findings support the development of regulatory frameworks and integration protocols, reinforcing RPAs as a safe and scalable solution for logistics scenarios.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Thyago Silva Hermeto, Paulo Tadeu Soares, Bruno Santos Sampaio, Fabiano Prata Souza, Bruno Moreira Silva, Roberta de Roode Torres, Manoel Ribeiro Coelho Neto, Mauro Hassan Tanure, Laécio Correia Rebouças, Claudia Elaine Aguilera Pereira dos Santos, Jonã Santos Vieira, Veruska Mazza Rodrigues Dias
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