MORECAMBE BAY UNDERDECK INSPECTION FOR CENTRICA
Sector Oil Gas & Petrochemical
Region Europe
Due to our extensive track record and ability to successfully fly underneath an offshore platform (a GPS denied environment), the client deemed Cyberhawk the best fit for the project. Our inspection methods very effectively acquire high quality images, which are used to accurately determine the asset condition required for the further planning of remedial work.
In April 2017, Cyberhawk was selected by Centrica to carry out an underdeck inspection of the satellite platforms DP6 and DP8 at the gas fields in Morecambe Bay, UK.
Cyberhawk faced a number of challenges throughout this inspection. With no GPS signal while flying the UAV underdeck, the team relied heavily on their piloting skills. Operating from a stand-by vessel also provided additional challenges due to the movement of the vessel in relation to the platform. The team had to work with the low tide to be able to cover the underdeck of the platform, timing the flights and liaising with the rest of the platform crew.
The alternative method considered for this nature of inspection would have been to use a rope access technician team (RAT). This technique increases man hours and would have seen the RAT team suspended from the flat-bottom platform for several weeks, which would have been hard to manage due to the short low tide windows.
Due to our extensive track record and ability to successfully fly underneath an offshore platform (a GPS denied environment), the client deemed Cyberhawk the best fit for the project. Our inspection methods very effectively acquire high quality images, which are used to accurately determine the asset condition required for the further planning of remedial work.