UAV cuts time, costs of offshore inspections

April 26, 2017
According to Cyberhawk Innovations, analysis from an international E&P company suggests unmanned aerial vehicle inspection offshore is 20 times faster and half the cost of traditional inspection methods.

Offshore staff

LIVINGSTON, UK – According to Cyberhawk Innovations, analysis from an international E&P company suggests unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) inspection offshore is 20 times faster and half the cost of traditional inspection methods.

The unnamed company analyzed inspection data complied over the last two years. It concluded that Cyberhawk’s UAV technique inspected 20 times more structures than rope access was able to achieve, and was also 50% cheaper than rope access inspection.

Use of UAVs also led to reduced working at height, a reduced requirement for offshore bed space and standby boats, and less helicopter usage, all adding up to further savings.

Chris Fleming, CEO at Cyberhawk, said: “Using UAV technology for all initial visual and thermal inspections… means that personnel are only required for contact and advanced inspection if required…

“We expect demand forUAV technology to continue growing, particularly in the international oil and gas sector as operators adjust to working in a new, lower oil price environment.”

04/26/2017