The path of digital transformation in Shell P.l.C

Introduction of Shell PLC

Initially, Shell PLC was active in the field of buying and selling antiques, and in the 1880s, it started its activity in the field of oil export.
In those years, barrels were used to transport crude oil, which in addition to occupying a lot of space, there was also the possibility of material leakage.
In 1892, the Morx oil tanker was added to the company’s fleet, and for the first time oil cargo was transported by tanker through the Suez Canal.

• The path of digital transformation in Shell P.l.C

In the years after the World War, Shell planned new exploration projects in Africa and South America and developed British refineries. In addition, bigger and more powerful ships were added to the sea transport fleet.
Shell company had a long history in research and development.
Therefore, in 1953, Shell also used electronic computers at the site in Amsterdam, Holland. The computer of that site was Frontimark 1, which was designed by the University of Manchester with the help of scientist Alan Turing.
At the time of global oil price decline, Shell company used gas-to-liquid conversion technology to develop its products and established the first commercial gas-to-liquid conversion center in Bintulu, Malaysia. In the following decades, this center played an important role in the development of the refinery, petrochemical and fuel products industry.
The company later received environmental warnings that affected its activities in the North Sea and Nigeria. In the way of trying to reduce the concern, Shell company implemented the health, safety and environment and social performance program, which raised the protection of people, communities and the environment as the goals of its activities.
Since the end of the 20th century and the movement of industries towards the use of new technologies, Shell has also been on the path of digital transformation.
Shell company uses digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, machine learning, Internet of Things, robotics, 3D printers, virtual and augmented reality, data analysis, and cloud computing for various aspects of its business in the field of exploration. and optimize production, refining of oil and gas, production of petrochemical products, supply chain management, marketing and customer service.
This company has already developed more than 100 applications and platforms for artificial intelligence. They have also used artificial intelligence to plan product production according to customer demand, reduce wastage of raw materials, reduce idle time of devices and equipment, and provide appropriate solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Shell company was able to reduce the fuel consumption of ships and vessels by using artificial intelligence.
Shell used virtual and augmented reality technology as well as digital twins to reduce the need to be present in operational areas.
Virtual and augmented reality technology also provides the possibility to share relevant documents with workers in a visual form and they can check the documents live.
Personnel safety is installed that has audio and video controls as if the user is viewing a seven-inch screen.
Important information is also displayed on the screen.
Shell company also uses virtual reality tools for educational activities. One of them is geological virtual tours. This has helped engineers to simulate geological parameters and use them in oil and gas exploration and extraction operations.
This technology enables collaborative meetings between different teams.
Shell’s placement in the path of digital technologies and continuous efforts to develop and explore oil and gas fields, led to its presence in complex global oil and gas fields. Troll field and project was one of Shell’s most important programs in offshore oil extraction, which brought significant record breaking for them. The Trull A structure used in this project, with a height of 500 meters (even taller than the Eiffel Tower), was named the tallest and heaviest offshore structure that was transported and installed by Shell.
Using 3D printers for rapid production of spare parts is one of Shell’s activities in the technology area. Shell company was able to produce unique catalysts that are used in the production of petrochemical products.
He was able to produce and use leak repair clamps using 3D printers.
Another technology used by this company is the use of computer science, in which the performance of materials and systems in specific conditions is predicted using computer models.

Robotic technology was also used by Shell in the field of operation, maintenance and repair. In addition, gas imaging cameras, tracking robots and sensors installed on satellites and drones are used to detect the quantity and quality of emitted greenhouse gases. One of Shell’s robots that helps detect gas leaks and prevent explosions is called Sensobot. This robot is able to work remotely and autonomously for 6 months without maintenance in oil and gas facilities.
In the 1970s, underwater equipment maintenance and repair activities were carried out by divers, and it was not possible to perform operations by divers for depths greater than 150 meters. Currently, the Shell company has been able to carry out operations up to a depth of nearly 3 kilometers under water using remote control robots. One of the underwater robots of the Shell company is called Flatfish, which is able to provide color 3D images of the sea. This project, which was developed in partnership with the Brazilian company Sina Simatic, can eliminate the need for support ships.
Drones and drones are other types of robotics operated by Shellis exploited.
Other recent achievements of Shell in the field of research and development include carbon dioxide collection technology.
Shell uses an open innovation strategy in the field of digital transformation and collaborates in research and development with business partners, universities and research institutes, suppliers and customers to help expand its technology and develop its platforms. In this field, Shell welcomes any innovative idea and is willing to invest in the research and development department of its company.