Region: Africa
OFFSHORE FLARE INSPECTION ON AN FPSO IN WEST AFRICA
Sector
Oil Gas & PetrochemicalRegion
AfricaCyberhawk was called upon to inspect a flare on an FPSO off the coast of West Africa in April 2017. Critical damage was detected on the flare tip and since then, Cyberhawk has been asked to closely monitor the damage and report back any potential further degradation. The intent was to defer a costly unplanned shutdown until the flare could be safely replaced three months later.


Due to our international track record, Cyberhawk was chosen as the preferred UAV inspection company to provide accurate data on the condition of the flare on a daily basis, for over three months. An experienced team of two from Cyberhawk, including a flare inspection engineer and offshore qualified inspection pilot, was mobilised to undertake the work. Thanks to our CVI (Close Visual Inspection) techniques, Cyberhawk could advise on the level of the critical condition and assist in predicting the damage development, by sizing the cracks on the flare bolts and predicting any potential dropped object risk.
SHELL BRENT DELTA DECOMMISSIONING
In 2012, Cyberhawk was selected by oil and gas supermajor, Shell, to carry out a condition based inspection at the Brent Delta platform in the North Sea. This was an ongoing project as part of the decommissioning of the platform that took place in late April 2017. The workscope involved the inspection of the jack up legs and underdeck.
CYBERHAWK COMPLETES FIRST UAV INSPECTION OFFSHORE NIGERIA
Sector
Oil Gas & PetrochemicalRegion
AfricaIn 2016, our team successfully conducted the very first UAV inspection offshore Nigeria, tasked by an oil and gas supermajor to inspect live flares, gas exhausts and structures on one of its platforms.


The alternative inspection method would be to use a rope access team and scaffolding, which takes 2-3 weeks to complete, presents high risks to personnel and can incur huge costs. For flare inspections, this would also require the flare to be shut down, meaning a loss of production time, and thereafter personnel climbing the asset to inspect.
We were appointed due to our extensive track record and impressive results shown in previous projects completed for the operator.
AFRICAN SUCCESS CONTINUES FOR CYBERHAWK IN IVORY COAST
Sector
Oil Gas & PetrochemicalRegion
AfricaIn November 2016, we were tasked with carrying out riser, mooring chains and flare inspections for two clients, one being the world’s largest independent crude oil and natural gas producer, the second a global supplier and operator of FPSOs.


Alternatively, this type of inspection would be carried out by a rope access team, however, this method can often create a significant drain on cost and time resources. Our team has successfully completed its first project in the Ivory Coast, which has strengthened our credentials in Africa after previous work in Nigeria and Ghana.
Our previous track-record with these clients saw Cyberhawk emerge as the preferred supplier for this project.
WEST AFRICA’S FIRST UAV INSPECTION
Sector
Oil Gas & PetrochemicalRegion
AfricaIn 2015, Cyberhawk was tasked by an oil and gas supermajor to conduct the world’s first UAV inspection in West Africa, completing a number of live flare inspections. The rationale behind the operator’s use of UAVs was to avoid the requirement to shut down platform operations whilst inspection activity took place, and reduce the working at height dangers presented to personnel.


Cyberhawk’s two-man field team inspected five live assets for the client in less than a week. Alternative methods of inspection such as rope access or scaffolding would have taken months to complete and would have required a complete shutdown of the facility.
Using UAV technology, which allows for the inspection of flare stacks and tips while they are live, avoided the need for a plant shutdown and saved the client more than $US11 million.
PERSIAN GULF OFFSHORE MULTIPLE WORKSCOPE INSPECTION
In September 2015, Cyberhawk was appointed by a major oil and gas operator in the UAE with the safe inspection of six flares, 12 vent stacks, multiple bridges, tripods and telecom towers, offshore in the Persian Gulf.