Brazilian AI Partnership Boosts Offshore Oil Platform Safety

Published Date : 16/08/2025 

August 15th, 2025 – Shape Digital, Shell Brasil, MODEC Brasil, and Unicamp collaborate to develop advanced AI-driven methodologies for monitoring and mitigating operational risks in offshore units. 

August 15th, 2025 – Shape Digital, Shell Brasil, MODEC Brasil, and Unicamp have entered into a partnership to develop new methodologies for monitoring operational risks using artificial intelligence. The solution will be based on Shape Reef, a tool for operational process safety designed by Shape Digital. It will be enhanced to identify the degradation of safety barriers in offshore units – systems, procedures, and equipment designed to prevent, control, or mitigate operational risks. The aim is to provide real-time visualization, support decision-making, and contribute to safer operations.

“We are going to develop and test new methods for managing safety barriers on offshore units, making the tool even more robust. This project is completely in line with our vision and strategy: to generate more and more intelligence based on data and AI, supporting decision-making towards operational excellence,” explained Felipe Baldissera, CEO of Shape Digital.

Over the course of the 36 months of the project, financed with funds from the ANP’s RD&I clause, the partner companies will implement, test, and improve risk estimation approaches using data-based techniques for two contexts: degradation of safety barriers and gas leak scenarios.

“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. This is how we move forward responsibly and ensure increasingly safe operations,” says Olivier Wambersie, Director of Technology and Innovation at Shell Brasil.

MODEC Brasil will provide operational expertise from its FPSOs in Brazil to support the development of the tool.

“The initiative reinforces MODEC’s commitment to continuous innovation and the adoption of technologies that strengthen people’s safety and the operational excellence of offshore units. That’s why we’re committed to sharing our expertise, providing relevant technical data, and all the intellectual capital needed to drive solutions that contribute to safer and more efficient operations,” says Leonardo Santoro, MODEC Brasil’s Technical Management Manager.

The technology under development originated from a previous project carried out at the State University of Campinas (Unicamp), under the coordination of Professor Sávio Viana. In the first stage, two computer programs were created and registered, which gave rise to innovative products: the Fuzzy BowTie and the Artificial Neural Network for Leak Detection. Now, in Phase II, again under the coordination of Prof. Sávio Vianna, from Unicamp, the project will combine computational fluid dynamics data and real field data to investigate and apply new artificial intelligence models, raising the level of technological maturity of the solution.

With these new technologies validated, Shape Reef – which already operates in offshore units in Brazil, Mexico, and Africa – will have its capacity to identify and support risk mitigation increased in coverage and precision. Shape Reef is a solution that can be applied to different industrial plants in the Oil & Gas segment. In addition, Shape Digital also sells Shape Lighthouse, intelligent asset management software, and Shape Aura, for energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

About Shape Digital

Shape is a digital services provider for industrial companies with a clear mission: to create sustainable business value by combining data, technology, and real industry experience. A spin-off from MODEC – a global leader in the construction and operation of floating production units – Shape is focused on applying Machine Learning and Advanced Analytics tools to predictive maintenance solutions. Its main objectives are to use available data to increase plant availability, improve the safety and sustainability of assets and operations, reduce maintenance costs, and avoid additional CAPEX and/or OPEX investments.

About Shell Brasil

For 112 years in the country, Shell Brasil is an integrated energy company, with a stake in the Oil & Gas, Nature-Based Solutions, Research & Development, and Trading sectors, through the Shell Energy Brasil trading company. The company is also present in the Biofuels segment through the Raízen joint venture, which in Brazil also manages the distribution of Shell-branded fuels. Shell Brasil works to meet the growing demand for energy in an economically, environmentally, and socially responsible way, evaluating trends and scenarios to respond to the challenge of the future of energy.

About MODEC

MODEC is a global leader in the construction, chartering, and operation of platforms for oil and gas production and has more than 55 years of history. For more than two decades in Brazilian seas, MODEC has operated 13 oil and gas platforms, has one unit under construction, and another in the final stages of commissioning for the country. There are more than 3,300 employees working in Brazil.

About Unicamp

The State University of Campinas (Unicamp) is one of the most respected higher education and research institutions in Latin America. Recognized for its academic excellence, technological innovation, and scientific impact, Unicamp makes a decisive contribution to Brazil’s economic, social, and cultural development. With strong integration between teaching, research, and extension, the university trains highly qualified professionals and promotes advances in various areas of knowledge. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is Shape Reef and how does it work?

A: Shape Reef is a tool for operational process safety designed by Shape Digital. It is enhanced to identify the degradation of safety barriers in offshore units, providing real-time visualization and supporting decision-making to ensure safer operations.

Q: How long will the project last and who is funding it?

A: The project will last 36 months and is financed with funds from the ANP’s RD&I clause. The partner companies will implement, test, and improve risk estimation approaches using data-based techniques.

Q: What is Shell Brasil's role in this partnership?

A: Shell Brasil is committed to safety and operational excellence. They will invest in technology and innovation to improve risk management in offshore units, ensuring the protection of people and the environment.

Q: How is MODEC Brasil contributing to the project?

A: MODEC Brasil is providing operational expertise from its FPSOs in Brazil to support the development of the tool. They are committed to continuous innovation and the adoption of technologies that enhance safety and operational excellence.

Q: What is the significance of the technology developed at Unicamp?

A: The technology under development at Unicamp originated from a previous project that created two computer programs: the Fuzzy BowTie and the Artificial Neural Network for Leak Detection. In Phase II, the project will combine computational fluid dynamics data and real field data to apply new AI models. 

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