Cyberhawk Innovations has completed the first ever UAV commercial oil and gas inspection in Qatar.
The project, which saw the inspection of 136m high flares, while still operational, was completed at an onshore oil and gas refinery in March 2016.
A team from Cyberhawk, including an industry qualified inspection engineer and oil and gas qualified inspection pilot, undertook the work using Cyberhawk UAVs after a panel of Qatar authorities granted an exclusive permit.
This project also continues to build Cyberhawk’s growing client base in the Middle East, where it has been operating commercially since 2012. The company has already inspected more than 75 live flares and other oil and gas structures in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman.
Cyberhawk CEO Craig Roberts said, “Historically, the use of UAVs in Qatar for industrial purposes has been prohibited. Our team’s unrivalled experience in the safe use of drones, with more than 13,000 commercial flights successfully completed in more than 20 countries worldwide, meant we had the credibility and competency to successfully gain the necessary permission to operate legally in Qatar.”
Business development manager Ajay Sethi, who is based in Cyberhawk’s Abu Dhabi office, said, “These maiden flights mark a significant leap forward in the industrial inspection market in Qatar, and in particular, the support we have received from our client has been crucial in making this happen."
He continued, "Following the successful completion of this project, we anticipate further opportunities will be created in the region, and will continue to support and advise authorities to help extend the boundaries of commercial drone usage.”
UAV inspections can provide an effective alternative to traditional methods of operational assessment and survey in the oil and gas sector, especially for structures and assets at significant heights, difficult to access locations and hazardous environments, as well as reducing personnel requirements and minimising the need for costly shutdowns.
