Cyberhawk completes first drone inspection at oil and gas refinery in Qatar

Scotland-based Cyberhawk Innovations has completed the first commercial drone inspection at an onshore oil and gas refinery in Qatar.

As part of the project, the company used drone service to inspect 136m high flares at the refinery.

Cyberhawk said that the inspection marks a major step forward in the commercial use of drones in the region, which are also referred to as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

A panel of authorities has selected Cyberhawk and granted an exclusive permit to carry out the work in Qatar following an assessment of the company’s study history in the Middle East.

The company has already inspected more than 75 live flares and other oil and gas structures in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman.

Cyberhawk CEO Craig Roberts said: "Historically, the use of UAVs in Qatar for industrial purposes has been prohibited.

"We are aware of operators without our operational experience and aviation pedigree that have been unable to secure flight permissions to operate in the Middle East, and this latest achievement reinforces our leading position in the industry."

The company also works with clients including Gasco, Dubai Petroleum, Sabic, PDO, Occidental, Daleel and Oman LNG in the Middle East.

Cyberhawk Abu Dhabi office business development manager Ajay Sethi said: "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."

In March 2016, Cyberhawk completed an offshore remotely operated aerial vehicles inspection in North America for an undisclosed oil and gas company.