Due to recent regulation for the use of drones in Brazil, the market can adapt and use the tool in its favor. Carlos Hennig, Skydrones technical director, talked about how the use of these devices help in capturing high-definition images and inspecting, during the special forum on the subject.

Henning pointed out the need to integrate the use of drones with information collection and data analysis. “Current technology demands, besides a specialized pilot, a person to process post-flight images and analyze the data. So, we come to more precise results,” he explained.

Danny Aronson, from Transpetro, said Big Data & Analytics resources in midstream (pipelines and terminals) systems are still in development. “The use of Big Data can help find solutions to what we didn’t even know existed. The logistics of fuel transportation, for example, can bring us data that optimize the purchase and delivery of the quantity of product”, he stressed.

Another important issue brought upon the last day was the future of regulation. For Luciana Rocha, from the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), changes need to be made to adapt to the future of the sector. “Since the approval of legislation for natural gas, in 2009, no gas pipeline was built. Proposals such as “Gas para Crescer”, if approved, will bring more opportunities to the industry, such as the approval for the exploration and no longer a concession as it is today”, she explained.

At the end of the event, Rio Pipeline 2017’s chairman, Marcelino Guedes, demanded focus on the Brazilian industry’s internationalization, with an exchange of experience with other countries.

“After the success of this edition, with 1,400+ delegates, we have to occupy our space in the international community and showcase our competence at the International Pipeline Conference (IPC), in 2018, in Canada,” Marcelino highlighted, still on the internationalization of the pipeline segment.

Awards

On the event´s third day, projects were awarded. Pedro Altoé Ferreira won the Calgary Award, established by IBP in 2001. As part of the award, the winner will present his paper at the International Pipeline Conference, in 2018, in Calgary, Canada.

Tran Mah-Paulson, from TWD, won the Global Pipeline Award, granted by the Pipeline Systems Division (PSD) of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), since 2005, in acknowledgment of innovations and technological advance accomplished by organizations in the area of pipeline transportation.

The ceremony also paid homage to Orfila Lima dos Santos, Petrobras’ former director, with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneer work in the pipeline industry. Deceased in 2016, his daughter Isabel received the award.

Rio Pipeline 2017 is sponsored by Petrobras; Rosen; Transportadora Brasileira Gasoduto Bolívia-Brasil (TBG); Nova Transportadora do Sudeste (NTS); Mattos Filho Advogados; and Tory-Tech.

The increase in the number of fields operated by different companies motivated the debate, which highlighted the appropriate regulation for the new scenario of the transportation market. Kjetil Solbraekke, Rystad Energy’s vice-president for Latin-America, remembered that, in Brazil, gas is 5 times more expensive due to infrastructure, and added that he will “depend on the legislation to know who will benefit the most from the opportunities. Brazil has the chance to regulate correctly”.

For Subsea 7 marketing vice-president, Paulo Cesar Martins, Brazil must prepare for the market’s recovery. “We’re on the right track regarding regulation, but we need to improve it to meet the domestic demand of growing gas production in Brazil”, he said.

Youth Professional Program fills auditorium with debate about O&G workforce

On the second day of Rio Pipeline 2017, the Youth Professional Program, dedicated to promoting, attracting and integrating students to the oil and gas industry, filled the auditorium with college students and gathered Human Resources and industry experts to talk about the O&G workforce and market opportunities.

Organized by IBP’s Youth Committee, the first session had the participation of OTC’s Chairman, Wafik Beydoun, who reinforced the importance of skills beyond the technical area for professional success. “It’s very important to develop the side you’re not used to dealing with. Behavior and communication, for example, are not skills you learn at university, but are just as important”, he emphasized.

According to Alessandra Simões, headhunter and partner at Uphill, you must think strategically about your career. “The student needs to invest in himself while he’s in college, and features such as communicability and attitude have been very sought in candidates”, she said.

Cristiano Pereira, UFF’s student and Youth Committee member, was in the audience of the 2015 edition and came back this year as a speaker to tell how his perspective on the market changed after the experience. “I didn’t pass my first interview for being too shy. Today, after what I’ve learned at events like this, such as the importance of networking, my career took a different path and I’m here talking to young people who can change too”, he remembered.

Rio Pipeline 2017 is sponsored by Petrobras; Rosen; Transportadora Brasileira Gasoduto Bolívia-Brasil (TBG); Nova Transportadora do Sudeste (NTS); Mattos Filho Advogados; and Tory-Tech.

The event is held until Thursday, October 26, in Riocentro, Rio de Janeiro.

For Rio Pipeline’s Chairman, Marcelino Guedes, the subject is fundamental, because the pipeline system is extremely important for the exploration process. “The pipeline operation cannot fail. If this happens, it affects people and the environment, so the investment in security technologies is essential”, he affirmed.

According to Marcelo Rennó Gomes, consultant, the discussion has to be constant to keep the quality of the sector. “New technologies are important to ensure the safety of the workforce, the environment and the continuity of the business. That is why the investment must be large in this field”, he explained at the panel on challenges and innovations.

The lecture also had the presence of Pipeline Research Council International’s (PRCI) president, Cliff Johnson, who explained that pipelines are seen as the main causes of accidents in the industry and, for that, there must always be investments in security. “If we do a good job, no one will know who we are. If we miss, we become the center of attention. For that reason, we must always do our best and stay “out of sight”, he emphasized.

New partnerships and young professionals

During the event, the Brazilian Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels Institute (IBP) has signed cooperation agreements with five associations: Abendi (Brazilian Association of Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection), Abraco (Brazilian Association of Corrosion), ABCM (Brazilian Association of Mechanical Sciences), FBTS (Brazilian Foundation of Welding Technology) and Abraman (Brazilian Association of Maintenance and Asset Management).

For IBP’s secretary general, Milton Costa Filho, the agreement will contribute significantly and bring value to the Institute’s members. “Many of these associations were born in IBP, which turns 60 years-old in November. All the changes that are happening in the industry and in Brazil impact our associations and now we must look to the future, because there’s a lot we can do”, he said. “Let’s join hands and go to work”, he complemented.

At the Knowledge Arena, students who aspire to careers in the field could listen and talk to young people who work in the industry. Young Pipeline Professionals (YPP)’ representatives shared experiences from the segment with the participants, pointing out the importance of keeping the young audience engaged.

Rio Pipeline 2017 is sponsored by Petrobras; Rosen; Transportadora Brasileira Gasoduto Bolívia-Brasil (TBG); Nova Transportadora do Sudeste (NTS); Mattos Filho Advogados; and Tory-Tech.

The event is held until Thursday, October 26, in Riocentro, Rio de Janeiro. The registration will be open online at the link.

OTC Brasil Chairman, João Carlos de Luca, highlighted the relevance of debating new technologies for the O&G sector. On his turn, Rio Pipeline Chairman, Marcelino Guedes, mentioned the 20 years of the pipeline conference and said it´s necessary to reinforce pipeline regulation in order to guarantee local production. “Brazil needs to be part of the global market, with technology companies to support the energy sector.”

Décio Oddone, ANP general director, mentioned that technology has never been so important for the future and that his organization is responsible for regulating the industry digitalization – which will certainly impact the entire industry. “In the next editions of OTC and Rio Pipeline, we will be experiencing the resumption that is just beginning,” he affirmed.

Petrobras CEO, Pedro Parente, said that Brazil has evolved since last year´s Rio Oil & Gas Conference, but there is still a long way to go towards the use of new technology to advance deep-water exploration. “We need to look forward and move our business towards the future”, he reminded.

Márcio Félix, secretary of Oil, Natural Gas and Renewable Fuels from Mines and Energy Ministery (MME), confirmed next year’s schedule “The 15^th round bid will be held by the end of March and the 4^th Pre-Salt bid round in June”.

The ceremony was also attended by IBP president, Jorge Camargo; ASME executive director, Thomas Loughlin; and OTC Chairman, Wafik Beydoun, who reinforced the importance of OTC Brasil to the energy industry in the country.

The keynote Lord John Browne, former CEO of BP and an icon of the oil and gas industry,  emphasized the responsibility of companies in relation to climate changes. “The response (to global warming) resides in technologic innovation, which is the most important tool to accelerate the transition process to a low carbon economy,” he explained.

In the end, Lord Browne declared to be optimistic about Brazil and the energy industry. “Progress may seem slow, but it´s possible that leaders get deeply engaged with society and continue working for humanity. “I have always been an optimistic and I believe in the path to human progress,” he concluded.

OTC Brasil 2017 is sponsored by Petrobras; Total; Shell; BP; Fluor; Statoil; Baker Hughes – a GE Company; Chevron; TechnipFMC; Repsol Sinopec; Saipem; ExxonMobil; Vallourec; Galp/Petrogal; Queiroz Galvão; Flutrol; Aker Solutions; CNOCC; Subsea7; Brazil – U.S. Business Council; Firjan; and OceanPact.

Rio Pipeline 2017 is sponsored by Petrobras; Rosen; Transportadora Brasileira Gasoduto Bolívia-Brasil (TBG); Nova Transportadora do Sudeste (NTS); Mattos Filho Advogados; and Tory-Tech.

Registration for OTC Brasil and Rio Pipeline is open online and onsite at Riocentro, until Thursday, 26 October.

The Member Exclusive Lounge, located on J3 booth, next to IBP’s, is an exclusive place where members can chill out, have a cup of coffee, recharge their devices and enjoy a unique networking opportunity with other IBP members.

To access the lounge, a VIP E-Pass is needed and it can be downloaded straight to mobiles. It is also mandatory to have an up-to-date membership.

If you are going to the event and have not received your pass, please, contact us, choosing the subject ‘Members’.

Discover who are already part of the Home to Our Industry.

Organized every two years by IBP, it´s recognized as one of the main global gatherings in the pipeline sector. This year, the main theme is “Connecting the Future: Trends and Challenges”. The Conference agenda includes panels, forums, technical papers presentations (oral and poster session) and short courses.

Technological progress and innovation in the pipeline industry, besides challenges in midstream and the role of regulators in the future of the pipeline activity, were the chosen topics for the main panels.

The forums will address pipeline inspection, corrosion under tension, database failures, heated ducts, among other issues. Parallel events complement the schedule, like the Sustainability Arena, student and young professional’s activities, as well as a space dedicated for training, market and career, professional outplacement and gender issues.

The technical papers will be presented in the form of oral and poster sessions. The agenda comprises 16 topics, covering key subjects, such as project, construction & assembly, operation and maintenance, in addition as cross-cutting issues, such as corrosion, inspection, environment and others. The full list of authors selected is also the event’s website.

As in previous editions, the best papers will be competing for the Calgary Award, granted by Rio Pipeline. The award-winning author will have the opportunity to present his work at the International Pipeline Conference in Calgary, Canada, in 2018.

Organized every two years by the Brazilian Institute of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (IBP), the event is considered one of the greatest global meetings of the pipeline community. This year, it will be held at the Riocentro Convention Center and will gather professionals to exchange experiences and knowledge about new technologies and best management practices.

With the motto “Connecting the Future: Trends and Challenges”, Rio Pipeline 2017 presents a new brand, bringing the entire pipeline community end-to-end into an even more complete event. “It will be the great meeting between the most diverse players of this industry, to share highly relevant technical content and to promote networking and business”, explains Milton Costa Filho, IBP´s Secretary General.

The conference program includes panels, forums, presentations of technical papers (oral session and digital poster) and workshops on key issues to the industry. Besides highlighting the technological advances of products and services, the agenda will also promote debates on market changes in the fuel market in Brazil and topics related to pipeline safety.

The technical papers will be presented in oral or digital poster format. This year’s program brings 16 different topics ranging from automation to logistics to the environment, social responsibility, transportation of fuels, among others. The full list can also be seen on the event’s website.

This year, the best papers will be running for the Calgary Award, organized by the Rio Pipeline. The event’s honorable mentions can also run for the Plínio Cantanhede Award, a traditional IBP award.