Revolutionising tank inspections with Elios drones

Client challenge
A global leader in floating production services for the oil and gas industry, faced the challenge of conducting General
Visual Inspection (GVI) and Close Visual Inspection (CVI) for 20 tanks, including 18 Crude Oil Tanks and 2 Slop tanks. Traditionally, these inspections required personnel to enter confined spaces, posing safety risks and being time consuming. Given the hazardous conditions, hot climate, and the need for breathing apparatus, our client sought a safer and more efficient inspection method.
What we did
Engaging Sky-Futures’ inspection team, our client opted for Elios drones to mitigate safety risks and expedite the inspection process. Using collision-tolerant drones, our team completed the entire scope without human entry, conducting both GVI and CVI.
The drones, equipped with powerful onboard LEDs, navigated the tank interiors effectively. With five to ten flights needed for each tank, the entire inspection of 20 tanks was accomplished by a two-person team in just 9 days.

Results
The use of drones brought significant time and efficiency savings, minimising risks to personnel and offering a safer, more economical solution for detailed structural inspections. Sky-Futures delivered high-quality inspection reports through the EXPANSE software, enabling our client to perform visual analysis and understand the tanks’ condition. This successful project highlights the potential of drone technology in enhancing safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in the oil and gas industry. Since 2016, Sky-Futures has successfully delivered 21 FPSO and internal inspection projects, earning certification as the world’s first drone specialist for internal vessel inspections by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), with approvals from Lloyd’s Register and DNV-GL.