“Hydrographic Octopus”: “Vital de Oliveira” ship employs state-of-the-art technology in areas of interest in oil and gas exploration
By Second Lieutenant (RM2-T) Augusto Rodrigues – Belém, PA
The Hydro-Oceanographic Research Ship (NPqHo) “Vital de Oliveira”, subordinated to the Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation (DHN), of the Brazilian Navy, docked in the Port of Belém (PA), between May 30 and June 2, for refueling and the embarkation of researchers. The ship carries out geophysical, geological, oceanographic and biological data surveys in the Brazilian Equatorial Margin. A region that extends more than 2,200 km along the coast between the states of Amapá and Rio Grande do Norte, the Equatorial Margin is considered the new frontier for oil exploration in deep and ultra-deep waters in Brazil.
The “Vital de Oliveira” left the Navy’s Hydrographic Base, in Niterói (RJ), on May 3. On this journey, the ship is subsidizing scientific projects selected by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Petrobras, and the Geological Service of Brazil.
On board, besides 130 military personnel, are 28 researchers from Petrobras, University of São Paulo (USP), University of Vale do Itajaí (Univali), Federal Fluminense University (UFF), Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), and Federal University of Pará (UFPA).
“To develop all the work, 70 days of commission were allocated, being 58 specific days of operation at sea,” explains the Commander of the NPqHo “Vital de Oliveira”, Frigate Captain Leandro dos Santos Novaes.
Vessel Features
The Hydro-Oceanographic Research Ship “Vital de Oliveira” was incorporated into the Brazilian Navy in 2015. Its acquisition is the result of a cooperation agreement signed between the Navy, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Petrobras, and Vale. The ship is named after Frigate Captain Manoel Antônio Vital de Oliveira (1829-1867), who died in battle during the Paraguayan War.
With 78m in length and 20m in breadth, it can reach a speed of 10 knots (18.5 km/h), with autonomy to sail for up to 30 days uninterrupted, without the need to stop for refueling.
Designed to serve as a maritime platform, ocean laboratory, and multi-purpose facility, it carries 28 pieces of equipment for research in shallow and deep waters. It is known as the “Hydrographic Octopus”, due to the multiplicity of equipment.
One of the highlights is the remotely operated underwater vehicle, used for seabed observation and small interventions. Equipped with video cameras and several sensors, it can operate at a depth of four thousand meters, going through restricted spaces, such as pipelines and shipwreck parts.
Source: Agência Marinha de Notícias