The robotic cleaning and inspection method to prevent fires in storage tanks, took operational standards to a new level at Ultracargo´s terminal in Maranhão, and assured the company another prize: 1st place in the category Innovative Company in the 2025 Edition of the InovaPorto Prize of the Port of Itaqui.
The award-winning solution competed with other important projects and stood out for its relevance and impact on the development of the port, maritime, and logistics sectors, for its high innovation and originality, and potential for replication in other ports and logistics contexts.
Everaldo Silva Sena, Maintenance Planning and Control Manager, says that this experience inspired Ultracargo seeking similar technologies to also carry out inspections on other fuel tanks – expected to take place for the first time at the Santos terminal still in 2025.
“This method has driven us to reach even higher levels of safety, efficiency, and sustainability, while reaffirming Ultracargo´s role as innovation protagonist in the field”, finishes Leopoldo José Gimenes, Executive VP for Engineering and Operations. “Beyond being merely an award, this achievement symbolizes our genuine commitment to integrity of our assets and the safety of people, the environment, and logistics operations, and is a source of great pride for everyone involved in the project,” emphasizes the executive.
The method
Robots and specialized equipment are employed to access the tanks´ through a roof inspection hatch, without the need to interrupt ongoing operations. The cleaning robot travels along the reservoir floor, localizing and removing accumulated debris that settled over time.
Bathymetry maps the distribution of these residues, generating a heat map that guides removal and allows visual and ultrasonic inspection in accordance with API653. Using data collected by a submersible ultrasound robot, the corrosion rate and remaining useful life of the bottom plates are calculated, ensuring safe operation continuity until the next inspection campaign.
Joint action between the areas was essential to enable a safe inspection. The company sought a solution that complied with technical standards while preserving the integrity of assets throughout the process, explains Ultracargo´s Integrity and Reliability Coordinator, Leonardo Barbosa, who represented the company at the awards ceremony, alongside Ricardo Bicalho, site specialist, and equipment inspector Arivaldo Junior.
Check out how the award-winning operation worked:
Historical
This was not the first time Ultracargo won first place as Innovative Company for the Porto do Itaqui award. Last year, the company was acknowledged for implanting the Operational Training Program for women at the Itaqui (MA) facilities, as well as at Suape (PE) and Santos (SP). The initiative was the result of the company’s commitment to the development of the communities surrounding its operations and contributed to the professionalization and employability of the participants, the economy of the region, and the increase of female presence in logistics activities.