Comfour & Zenitel: Over a Decade of Offshore Communication Partnership in Brazil

Zenitel was already established in the Brazilian energy market, and Comfour as a trusted partner has played a key role in strengthening their local presence. With experience in Brazil’s IT and telecom sector, Comfour combines strong local capabilities with Zenitel’s communication technology to deliver reliable systems tailored to offshore operational needs. Together, the companies have built a foundation based on responsiveness, technical expertise, and a shared commitment to keeping critical communication systems operational.

“I did my first visit to Horten in 2004, and it was clear from the beginning that Zenitel’s passion for innovation would lead to a strong future together,” says Belmiro Duarte. “More than 20 years later, we continue to serve customers and partners while strengthening this long-term relationship.”

Adapting to a Changing Offshore Environment

Brazil’s offshore energy sector operates in a demanding environment where reliable communication is essential for safety and daily operations. At the same time, installations face increasing pressure to modernize due to aging infrastructure, stricter regulations, and the need for improved operational efficiency.

Retrofit has become a key strategy. Instead of replacing entire systems, operators increasingly upgrade existing infrastructure to reduce downtime, control costs, and extend asset lifespan. Zenitel focuses on reusing what is already in place, upgrading communication networks through existing cabling and systems. This approach minimizes disruption and ensures reliable, continuous communication in critical offshore environments.

From First Delivery to Ongoing System Upgrades

2014: The starting point

The year of 2014 was a game changer for Zenitel, when the VoIP Modules TKIS was first introduced to Petrobras. Showing how remote access through PAGA functionalities, can provide simple and reliable solutions. This early development later contributed to what became known as the “Priority Remote Control Room” concept and marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration covering both newbuild and retrofit projects.

Already in 2021, more than 11 offshore units were fitted with this concept. The system enabled stable communication between offshore installations and onshore facilities, and today more than 25 offshore units are managed by redundant communication servers at Petrobras premises onshore.

2015–2022: Building experience through deliveries

In the years that followed, the companies worked together on a range of offshore installations, including drillships, FPSOs, and fixed platforms. One example is the upgrade of the drillship ODN II, operated by Foresea (formerly Ocyan), where the project was carried out under demanding offshore conditions.

Across projects, coordination between Comfour and Zenitel covered engineering, installation, and commissioning, supporting consistent system performance across different asset types. A key delivery in this period was a full telecommunications package for Yinson Production’s FPSO Maria Quitéria in the Jubarte Field, Campos Basin (Petrobras).

2022–2026: Shift toward retrofit and continued upgrades

These retrofit projects allowed operators to update communication systems while keeping existing infrastructure such as cabling and loudspeakers. This helped limit downtime and reduce the need for full system replacement. Updated Exigo IP PAGA systems also introduced functions such as system monitoring, alarm handling, and configuration management, giving onboard teams more direct control of the system.

Today, Zenitel and Comfour support a large number of installed communication systems across Petrobras assets, with ongoing work related to upgrades and replacements. Over the past three years, nine Exigo IP PAGA systems have been delivered through a contract secured by SegurPRO in cooperation with Comfour. The scope has included site surveys, engineering, installation, commissioning, and training. In parallel, several platforms and FPSOs have been upgraded with newer PAGA systems.

As noted by Belmiro Duarte, this reflects a gradual shift toward more remote access and ongoing system support as part of offshore operations.

A Partnership Built on Local Expertise and Long-Term Value

A key factor behind the success of the collaboration between Zenitel and Comfour has been the combination of strong local expertise and reliable communication technology.

Comfours presence in Brazil ensures close proximity to customers, enabling fast response times, local engineering support, and a deep understanding of operational requirements. At the same time, Zenitel provides robust and scalable communication systems designed for critical offshore environments.

Together, the teams work in a highly integrated way across all project phases. This collaboration enables upgrades with minimal disruption, while maintaining consistent system performance across offshore assets.

As customer needs have evolved, the partnership has continuously adapted, supporting both new installations and increasing demand for retrofit and lifecycle services. The result is a more standardized and reliable communication infrastructure across offshore operations. Systems are easier to maintain, better prepared for future upgrades, and contribute to safer and more efficient operations.

Looking Ahead

As offshore installations continue to advance in complexity and scale, the demand for reliable and adaptable communication systems will remain essential. Brazil stands out as one of the world’s leading markets for offshore exploration and production (E&P) investments, underscoring the strategic importance of this region.

For Zenitel and Comfour, over a decade of close collaboration has built a solid foundation for the future. This long-standing partnership, combined with a strong local presence and a shared commitment to continuous improvement, positions both companies well to support the next wave of offshore retrofits and newbuild developments in Brazil.

Learn more about Comfour: A Empresa - Comfour