Pioneering drone firm Flylogix has landed contracts with several leading oil and gas operators to help tackle the industry’s methane emissions.
New deals, which include Shell, Ithaca Energy and Equinor, among others, will see drone flights for 16 UK oil and gas platforms and onshore terminals.
Flylogix operates long distance “mini planes” from sites in Aberdeenshire and Fareham, using cutting edge technology to monitor methane emissions.
Methane is 80-times more harmful to the atmosphere than CO2. The industry is subject to regulatory targets to end routine flaring and venting by 2030, respectively the burning and release of natural gas, which emit methane.
The oil and gas sector is also seeking to cut its emissions by 50% by 2030 under a deal signed with government in 2021. The flights will provide reliable data on progress towards these goals.
Worth seven figures accumulatively, the contracts include a multi-year deal for Shell’s offshore and onshore assets serving the North Sea, alongside other major installations including the Ithaca Energy-operated Cygnus, one of the UK’s largest-producing gas fields.
These awards come as Flylogix builds towards investment in a permanent Scottish drone base.
Flylogix CEO Charles Tavner said:
“These awards are testament to the industry’s commitment to tackle offshore emissions on the path to net zero while meeting the UK’s vital energy needs.
“Flylogix’s solution allows operators to receive timely data without the cost, emissions, or safety implications of sending crews offshore.
“The strength of support for this innovative technology is putting Flylogix on a steady flightpath to profitability and our growth ambitions.”
The work has been awarded as a revolutionary new airspace trial is set to take place with the Civil Aviation Authority.
The year-long trial, due to begin this summer, will allow for long-distance drones to fly more freely in North Sea airspace, alongside other aircraft including helicopters. This will unblock regulatory barriers, helping make missions easier to plan and carry out on short notice.
Mr Tavner added: “The potential for this technology will only grow as we gear up for the CAA trial this summer, allowing our drones to fly more frequently to support oil and gas, defence, and renewables.
“The North Sea has always been a hub of innovation – now it is the future of flight.”
