Digital transformation in Saudi Aramco

The formation of Aramco is related to the agreement between the government of Saudi Arabia and an American oil company in the early 1930s.
In 1944, the American company SOCL partnered with two other oil companies named Texaco and ExxonMobil and an Arab-American oil company named Aramco was established.
With the aim of creating value from oil, Saudi Aramco turned to different refining and petrochemical methods, and to diversify its business, it also invested in sustainable and green energy fields.

The starting point of digital transformation in Saudi Aramco

Acceptance of digital technologies and digitization for Saudi Aramco has been done gradually since the beginning of 2000.
One of the key aspects of digital transformation in this company is the oil and gas industry’s widespread recognition of the potential benefits of digital technologies in increasing operational efficiency, optimizing production and managing complex hydrocarbon fields.
In this context, Saudi Aramco has set up an engineering solutions center to provide smart solutions and use advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robots, drones, virtual reality and augmented reality.

The development process of digital transformation in Saudi Aramco
Aramco took a step towards the fourth industrial revolution.
Aramco wanted to achieve its strategic goals, including increasing fuel efficiency, reducing production costs, improving workplace safety, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the most important technologies that Aramco has used in the fourth industrial revolution is artificial intelligence. This technology helped to monitor the amount of flare gas emissions without the need to use additional equipment or reinvestment.
Also, Aramco’s geological experts were able to use artificial intelligence to collect seismic data, analyze seismic data and determine suitable drilling points.
Combining this technology with the Internet of Things helped to monitor and control oil wells.
Another technology that Saudi Aramco has used is the use of virtual reality and augmented reality. Aramco’s Osmaniye Gas Unit is one of the projects in which virtual reality and augmented reality are used, and they use digital helmet technologies and glasses for filming and providing real-time information and reports directly.
Blockchain technology is another technology that Aramco has used to create a safe and transparent system for its transactions.
Other advanced technologies in the fourth industrial revolution that Aramco has taken advantage of include robotics, drones, and cloud computing. For example, pneumatic crawler robots are used to inspect oil and gas transmission pipes and marine structures, which are controlled remotely and verify and analyze the obtained data.
Aramco uses drones for various tasks, such as detecting gas leaks or corrosion.

Project implemented in line with digital transformation in Saudi Aramco

In 2006, Saudi Arabia designed its ambitious plans to smarten up and use digital technologies in Jazan Refinery and Petrochemical and it brought the following benefits:
• Production of several products with high added value in one unit, such as fuels with a lower sulfur percentage
• Recovery of thermal energy produced in processes and reuse of energy
• Maximizing operational efficiency and reducing carbon dioxide emissions
Aramco’s investment in the Jazan refinery complex shows the country’s determination to become a more prominent and diverse economic hub. Jazan Refinery is more than an oil processing unit. Providing solutions for reducing carbon dioxide emissions and increasing the efficiency of energy sources and producing products with high added value are integrated and smart ways to achieve a green future.