Galileo’s High Accuracy Service (HAS), available since 2023, provides sub-metric positioning accuracy worldwide, offering a reliable and precise alternative to traditional Differential GNSS (DGNSS) corrections without the need for additional ground infrastructure. Companies are already getting the added value of this very specific Galileo service.
Petrobras, a global leader in deepwater oil and gas exploration, is leveraging cutting-edge satellite navigation technology to enhance the positioning and maintenance of its “Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels”. The company is upgrading its FPSO positioning systems by integrating Galileo HAS, a move that will significantly improve operational reliability in remote offshore environments.
The challenge: ensuring reliable FPSO positioning beyond DGNSS reach.
FPSOs are crucial assets in offshore energy production, allowing for the extraction, processing, storage, and offloading of hydrocarbons directly at sea. These vessels are often stationed over 100 km from the coast, beyond the effective range of traditional DGNSS correction services due to spatial decorrelation effects. To maintain precise positioning and ensure uninterrupted operations, Petrobras plans to upgrade its standard GNSS - Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (AHRS) with Galileo HAS-enabled receivers.
An offshore Petrobras FPSO vessel where the company plans to integrate Galileo HAS receivers to enhance positioning accuracy and operational reliability in deepwater environments (Photo credit: Taís Peyneau / Petrobras News Agency).
The solution: Galileo HAS service implementation.
To achieve this upgrade, Petrobras will be working with Mitang, a Brazilian service provider, which will supply up to 40 GNSS-HAS receivers with a marine-grade antenna, capable of withstanding long-term exposure to offshore environments.
Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS): a game-changer
The decision to adopt Galileo HAS stems from its ability to provide sub-metric accuracy without requiring additional ground infrastructure. Unlike augmentation services that have long been available in the northern hemisphere, HAS is the first free and easily accessible high-accuracy satellite-based solution for the southern hemisphere.
The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is responsible for developing and promoting Galileo HAS. By providing reliable and precise satellite navigation capabilities, EUSPA supports industries worldwide in achieving greater operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The adoption of HAS by Petrobras underscores the global impact of EU space technology in the energy sector.
Strategic collaborations
Looking ahead with the planned adoption of Galileo HAS, Petrobras is set to enhance the accuracy and resilience of its FPSO positioning systems. This initiative not only strengthens Petrobras’ operational capabilities but also demonstrates the transformative potential of European space-based technologies in supporting global industries.
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