LIVINGSTON, Scotland -- Cyberhawk Innovations, a leader in aerial inspection and survey using unmanned aerial vehicles, has completed the first ever commercial oil and gas inspection in Qatar.

 

This allows the significant cost benefits of Cyberhawk’s drone inspection service to be provided throughout the Qatari market, during a time in which oil and gas budgets are facing significant pressure.

 

The project, which saw the inspection of 136-m high flares, while still operational, was completed at an onshore oil and gas refinery in March 2016. An experienced team of two from Cyberhawk, including an industry qualified inspection engineer and oil and gas qualified inspection pilot, undertook the work using Cyberhawk’s state-of-the-art inspection UAVs. 

 

This inspection marks a major step forward in the commercial use of drones in the region, which to date have been heavily regulated by the Qatari government due to concerns over security of airspace and privacy of citizens.

 

Cyberhawk undertook an intensive campaign, lobbying the government to explain the benefits on offer through UAVs, including significant cost and time savings, and how safely these unmanned aircraft can be operated by experienced operators.

 

After a thorough assessment of Cyberhawk’s track record and proven case study history in the Middle East, a panel of authorities granted an exclusive permit for Cyberhawk to conduct the work in Qatar.

 

This project also continues to build Cyberhawk’s growing client base in the Middle East, where it have been commercially operating 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.

 

“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,” Business Development Manager Ajay Sethi, who is based in Cyberhawk’s Abu Dhabi office, said.