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The IBP’s innovation hub, iUP Innovation Connections, kicked off its program on Tuesday (28), setting the tone for the digital transformation theme that will run throughout the conference. The first sessions connected the strategic R&D vision of major operators with the practical tools of digitalization, automation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) now being deployed offshore.

The opening session, focused on Petronas’ Research and Development strategy, provided the strategic framework. Cris Dain, General Manager of R&D at Petronas, emphasized that innovation is a core pillar aligned with sustainability and digitalization. He highlighted ongoing work in CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage) technologies and underscored the importance of open innovation, linking the company’s R&D arm to its ventures division for closer collaboration with the market.

The panel “Offshore Technology: Innovation for Efficiency, Monitoring and Reliability” then shifted the discussion from strategy to implementation. Experts from SBM Offshore, TMT, ABB, and Kraken Robotics detailed how electrification and automation are revolutionizing offshore operations. The consensus was clear — the future is already here. As Antonio Carvalho, Automation Specialist at ABB, stated: “Two years ago, we were here talking about a future that seemed far away. Today, we’re taking the first steps to make that vision a reality.”

Panelists also emphasized the growing use of Artificial Intelligence and simulation tools to support processes, optimize decision-making, and anticipate outcomes — enhancing the efficiency and reliability of offshore assets.

The iUP Innovation Connections program runs through October 30 on the mezzanine level of ExpoRio, under the theme “Connecting Ecosystems.” The initiative reinforces its role as a bridge between startups, investors, and major companies, accelerating innovation and fostering collaboration within the energy sector.

About OTC Brazil 2025

OTC Brazil 2025 takes place at ExpoRio Cidade Nova from October 28 to 30, featuring Petrobras as Master Sponsor; Shell and TotalEnergies as Diamond Sponsors; and Equinor, ExxonMobil, Petronas, PRIO, and TechnipFMC as Platinum Sponsors. Brava, Chevron, and Repsol Sinopec are Gold Sponsors; bp is a Silver Sponsor; and OceanPact, PERBRAS, Vallourec, and Tenaris are Bronze Sponsors.

EcoPetrol Brasil sponsors the Club Offshore, BTG Pactual Advisors is the Official Bank, and the Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat for Energy and the Sea Economy serves as a Strategic Partner. United Airlines is the Official Airline, and S&P Global Commodity Insights is the Knowledge Partner. B&T XP is the Official Foreign Exchange Broker, Ambipar is the Official Emissions Offset Partner, and the Brazilian Society of Naval Engineering (Sobena) is the Guest Association.

The event also counts on the support of several institutional partners — including ABEEMAR, ABEMI, ABESPETRO, ABIMAQ, ABPIP, ABRACO, AHK Mercosur, Arpel, CESAR, EIC, Energy Workforce & Technology Council, Firjan SENAI SESI, IADC, IAPG, Rede Petro ES, SBGf, Syndarma, Abeam, and Visit Rio — and media partners such as eixos, Petro&Química, Brasil Energia, Tn Petróleo, Upstream, Offshore, and Oil & Gas Journal.