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high reliability. In 2011, more than 40 successful Þ eld inspections were done and the technology was patented. In 2012 Ativatec in partnership with Petrobras, developed another ROV oper- ated tool for use in breaking up hydrates present in connector in equipment such as MCVÕs, SCMÕs, Tree Caps and Sub- sea Xmas Trees for the total or partial reestablishment of well production. The technology was approved in laboratory tests and will be available in the market in the second semester of 2013.Which are the main products and services offered by ATIVA? Our main products and servic- es include:- Ultrasonic inspection of subsea equip-ment for the detection of Þ ssures and loss of thickness by corrosion.- Intervention for hydrate break-up in subsea equipment for partial or total re-establishment of production.- Collection of soil and water samples for offshore environmental monitoring. - Research and development of new technologies in subsea robotics for the O&G industry. Which are the biggest chal- lenges in working with prod- ucts used in the deepwater segment of the O&G industry? The challenges are in offering products with simple interfaces to be operated and/or installed by ROVÕs and that offer at the same time high reliabil- ity, minimum maintenance needs, re- duced weight and dimensions and high mechanical robustness to resist the high salinity and high pressure encountered in deepwater marine environments. How do you see the future of the subsea segment of the O&G industry in Brazil? The Brazilian market for sub- sea robotics for inspection, intervention and environmental monitoring is in in- creasing expansion. Various companies from around the world are investing in this area due to the aging of existing subsea equipment, which begin to dete- riorate due to marine effects, generating production problems and even environ- mental accidents.Other than that, the exploration of the pre-salt demands great investments in new subsea technologies for E&P in ul- tra-deep waters, which has been attract- ing international companies to Brazil.How does your Research and Development process for au- tomation and instrumentation Marine Technology Reporter 29www.seadiscovery.com MTR #3 (18-33).indd 29MTR #3 (18-33).indd 294/3/2013 11:54:29 AM4/3/2013 11:54:29 AM