Drones used for offshore vessel inspection

Internal tank checks done without need for workers suspended by ropes

Drones have been used for the first time to carryout an internal inspection of an offshore structure.

West Lothian-based firm Cyberhawk Innovations used a remote operated aerial vehicle to inspect a cargo oil tank on the Gryphon operational floating storage and offloading vessel (FPSO), operated by Maersk Oil in the UK North Sea.

The project marks the launch of a new service to the oil and gas and shipping industry. The visual inspection of cargo tanks is currently conducted by workers suspended on ropes to inspect the tank structure, focusing on areas of high stress such as stiffeners, brackets, bracing, webs and stringers. This approach brings with it high set-up costs and an element of personal danger. Maersk Oil said its main priority was to reduce the human risk factors which are presented by rope access, which includes working at height for sustained periods of time as well as working in confined spaces.

The inspection technique is now likely to be applied to all large internal tanks, on vessels such as FPSOs, bulk carriers and tankers. Cyberhawk mobilised a two-man team, consisting of a drone pilot and inspection engineer. The inspection of the critical components of the tank was completed within a day, in comparison with rope access which would usually take between three to four days for the same project.

Malcolm Connolly, Cyberhawk’s technical director and founder, said: “We have completed many projects with Maersk Oil since first working together in 2013. Both parties were keen to develop an effective inspection method for FPSO cargo oil tanks, as well as other tanks and storage vessels. The successful completion of this project has demonstrated that this is now possible.

“Not only have we removed one of the most significant risks associated with tank inspection, working at height, but we have also highlighted the significant cost and time savings achieved by inspection.”