UAS enables safer, more cost-effective and environmental monitoring of oil and gas infrastructure. Opportunities to expand UAS service and offer solution to other customers in the energy sector.

TEKEVER, the European market leader in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), today provided an update on its successful joint mission with Aerial Robotix to monitor oil pipelines in Nigeria for an international oil and gas company. The mission, which has been running successfully for two years, represents a significant step forward in providing a safer, more environmental, and cost-effective turnkey solution for protecting critical infrastructure in the oil and gas sector and other industries.

Over 2 years of operation, the team have monitored over 100,000 kilometres of territory, logged over 1,200 flight hours and detected 672 points of interest, that required immediate action to mitigate potential environmental and economic risks.
The mission is estimated to have used 100,000% less fuel than traditional manned aerial inspections, using under 600 litres of fuel throughout the two-year mission compared to an estimated 600,000 litres that would be required to run manned assets for the same number of hours, dramatically reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainable practices. The UAS technology is also more cost-effective by requiring fewer resources and personnel, resulting in considerable savings for the customer. By using UAS, the mission is safer than traditional methods of pipeline inspection involving manned helicopters, which carry risks to human life.

TEKEVER’s CEO, Ricardo Mendes, said, “We are delighted to have partnered with Aerial Robotix since 2022 to monitor oil pipelines in Nigeria for a major oil and gas company. This mission has proven the advantages of using UAS to protect critical infrastructure: it’s safer, more environmental and cost-effective. We look forward to expanding this service with additional capabilities and offering the solution to other organisations that require this type of surveillance.”

Tudor Moss, Accountable Manager at Aerial Robotix said, “The mission has already had a positive impact on the local economy. TEKEVER and Aerial Robotix have trained pilots and maintenance technicians locally, building a skilled workforce in the region. Following the success of the mission, TEKEVER and Aerial Robotix are exploring new opportunities to expand the capabilities of the UAS service, including additional sensors to enable the detection of other points of interest, as well as collaborating with other companies in the sector and beyond that require similar services.”