ARO Drilling Adopts AI Video Analytics for Saudi Rig Fleet

2026-01-16 companies

Al Khobar, Friday, 16 January 2026.
Following a successful 2025 pilot, ARO Drilling has committed to deploying ALTAVE’s AI-powered video analytics across its entire fleet of nine offshore rigs in Saudi Arabia. This multi-year agreement, formalized at IPTC 2026, signals a major shift toward automated safety compliance and digitalized operational oversight in the energy sector.

Strategic Deployment at IPTC 2026

The collaboration between ARO Drilling and ALTAVE was formalized during the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) held in Dubai between January 13 and January 14, 2026 [1]. ARO Drilling, a 50/50 joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Valaris, announced the contract on January 16, 2026, confirming the rollout of intelligent monitoring systems across its fully owned fleet of nine offshore jack-up rigs [1][4]. This agreement marks a significant step in ARO’s digital transformation journey, moving beyond trial phases to full-scale implementation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [5].

Technical Capabilities of the Harpia Platform

Under the terms of the contract, ARO will utilize ALTAVE’s Harpia platform, which employs computer vision and artificial intelligence to provide continuous operational oversight [2]. The system is designed to monitor critical compliance metrics, specifically focusing on Red Zone access control and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) verification [2][5]. To ensure actionable insights, the platform consolidates operational data into centralized dashboards and periodic reports for Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) and operations teams [2]. The service agreement also includes 24/7 technical support and continuous system monitoring throughout the contract’s duration, ensuring sustained performance in demanding offshore environments [1][2].

From Pilot to Fleet-Wide Integration

The decision to deploy the technology fleet-wide follows a comprehensive pilot program conducted throughout 2025 [1]. According to ALTAVE, this pilot phase validated the software’s robustness and delivered measurable improvements in safety compliance and risk visibility [2][3]. Azzeddine Smida, Director of Operational Excellence & Efficiency at ARO, noted that scaling these AI-enabled cameras reflects the company’s commitment to “disciplined execution and continuous improvement in safety and operational performance” [1]. The integration is designed to align seamlessly with the ARO Digital Performance & Behavior Hub, enhancing real-time monitoring capabilities [3].

Alignment with Vision 2030

This partnership is strategically aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes the integration of cutting-edge digital technologies into industrial sectors [2][5]. The deployment supports ARO’s WISE values—Well-being, Integrity, Safety, and Excellence—by establishing new benchmarks for operational governance in the region [3][5]. Bruno Avena, CEO of ALTAVE, stated that the collaboration highlights ARO’s leadership in embracing artificial intelligence as a strategic tool to elevate safety standards within the energy industry [2].

Sources

Artificial Intelligence Offshore Drilling