HEADS

MARINE
ENVIRONMENT
SURVEILLANCE
SYSTEM
Hydrocarbon Early Automatic Detection System

HEADS
MARINE
ENVIRONMENT
SURVEILLANCE
SYSTEM
HEADS (Hydrocarbon Early Automatic Detection
System) is a unique system for the early
detection of spills, which allows to increase
security in the energy industry offshore
operations.

Context
The marine environment is
particularly sensitive and fragile, even
more for ecosystems of special
vulnerability to pollution.
These areas require continuous and
precise surveillance to preserve the
natural environment.
The impact of industrial operations at
sea has always been a strategic and
demanding issue for operating
companies, governments and the
general public.

HEADS SYSTEM

In most cases, existing marine

environmental surveillance
technologies are non automated
systems and therefore, depend on an
expert operator.
New developments in early
detection are required to
complement prevention technologies,
in order to achieve the minimum
response time to any incident.

From a tactical point of view, swift

and detailed information is crucial for
the efficient management of
resources in monitoring, tracking,
containment and audit of operations
at sea.
Specifically, early response for sites
within 100 km of the coast is critical.

Environmental protection is being promoted in areas of special sensitivity

The European Directive 2013/30/EU of
12th June 2013 aims at reducing the
occurrence of incidents relating to
offshore operations limiting their
consequences.
It enhances response mechanisms, by
encouraging the use of technical
means, new knowledge and
technological developments.

Early warning technologies in emergency management

Preventive actions are intended to enhance the infrastructures integrity and the
operational procedures. Thus, problems are anticipated and the risk of incidents is
reduced.
Early warning technologies are complementary to prevention technologies and
result in minimum response times, permitting the activation of action protocols in
very early stages.

Prevention

Preparedness

Gestin de
Emergency
emergencias
management

Data supplied by the system contributes to the identification of the

origin and to the tactical response in case of incident.

Response
Recovery

HEADS SYSTEM

Response technologies, aimed at tracking slicks (by size and

displacement), allow the impacts to be minimized and ensure the
minimum time and cost during recovery.

System Description
HEADS uses a combination of different sensors, and is able to generate alarms without human intervention.

Innovative solution developed jointly by Indra and

Repsol for the early detection of hydrocarbons in the
marine environment.
100% automatic operation (manual intervention just
in case of alarm) with 24x7 availability.
Provides continuous monitoring and equal reliability
during day or night.
Good operation in adverse weather conditions.
Smart combination of infrared images, radars and other
sensors providing with maximum reliability and
reduction of false alarms.
Immediate detection in 2-5 minutes.
Accuracy (tests performed with 10-25l oil spills).
Vessels identification in the vicinity with AIS
(Automatic Identification System).
GIS data for audit and communication.

Tactical data of a detection

Coordinates: latitude, longitude
Movement vector
Stain evolution
Reliability (%)
Situation on map
Size on map

The performance of the system has been tested and improved in very different real scenarios
Marine terminal

The system allows for multiple configurations to cover complex geometries.

Offshore Platform

The basic system for offshore platforms has 2 IR cameras and 2 radars
providing with 360 full coverage.

System extensions
Possibility of automatic alarm management (SMS, email).
Auditing reports (equivalent to black box in airplanes).
Integration with monitoring centre for tracking and surveillance.
HEADS SYSTEM

HEADS Benefits

Maximum reduction of response times to any incidents.

Particularly suitable for platforms near land or sensitive sea areas.
Ensures traceability and audit since all the available information is recorded.
Automated operation allows for the reduction of monitoring and prevention
operative costs.
Reduces the level of operational risk.
Improves the environmental quality certification.
Contributes to environmental safety, reinforcing responsibility policies of
offshore operations.
Provides improvements in prevention policies of the asset.

HEADS SYSTEM

Repsol is an integrated global energy

company engaged in Upstream and
Downstream activities throughout
the entire world, and employing over
24,000 people.
The increasing growth in the area of
Exploration and Production of
hydrocarbons has recently led to
some of the world's most important
discoveries. Repsol operates in some
of the most challenging areas on the
planet, many of them inaccessible to
the industry a few years ago,
requiring highly advanced
technological resources.
The Repsol Technology Center
located in Mstoles (Madrid) is one of
the most advanced in Europe and the
largest in Spain. Over 400 scientists
and researchers work here
throughout the whole company's
value chain. HEADS system is an
example of Repsol's commitment
towards a more efficient, secure,
competitive and sustainable energy
model.

Indra is the leading Spanish

multinational consulting and
technology firm and one of the main
players in Europe and Latin America.
Innovation is the cornerstone of its
business and sustainability, having
allocated 550 million to R&D in the
last three years, making it one of the
leading companies in Europe in its
sector in terms of investment.
In addition, Indra has extensive
experience in developing and
implanting technological solutions in
the hydrocarbons sector , where it
globally operates with 1,500
professionals and has projects on 5
continents.
With sales approaching 3 billion,
nearly 60% of its income is from the
international market. The company
employs 42,000 professionals and
has customers in 128 countries.

Contact Data
JOS VICENTE SOLANO FERRNDEZ

CARLOS TORRES MINONDO

C/ Mndez lvaro, 44, 28045

Madrid (Spain)
T +34 91 753 8637
M +34 648 074 200
jvsolanof@repsol.com

Avda. de Bruselas 35, 28108

Alcobendas, Madrid (Spain)
T +34 91 480 9163
M +34 609 786 358
ctminondo@indra.es