Flylogix, the full-service unmanned aviation company, has entered into a strategic partnership with Oil Spill Response Ltd., the global leader in spill response services, to develop enhanced response techniques using long-range unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The two-year development agreement will explore the benefits of using long-range UAS – operating beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) – for spill identification, quantification and monitoring. This comes at a time when service providers, and their customers, are increasingly looking to reduce the movement of people and their offshore-related risk exposure – a situation magnified by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In consultation with the energy sector and other key stakeholders, including maritime search and rescue organisations, the partnership will develop ways to support effective interoperability between manned and unmanned assets.
Long-range UAS are uniquely suited to prolonged monitoring missions and early confirmation of spills, reducing the burden on more costly manned assets. Flylogix’s proprietary mission management tool, Skyspace, also opens the door to enhanced situational awareness, with the ability to share operational data in real-time, which is key to effective emergency response.
Charles Tavner, Executive Chairman at Flylogix, said:
“This partnership between Flylogix and Oil Spill Response Ltd. is fantastic news as we continue to pioneer the use of full-service, over-horizon unmanned aviation to transform remote operations and reduce costs and risk for customers.
“The team at Oil Spill Response Ltd. bring unparalleled experience in managing spill response globally. This insight is critical to ensure the technology delivers value and impacts where it matters most.”
Oil Spill Response Global Aviation Manager, Shane Jacobs, said:
“We recognise the position that Flylogix has secured as a leader in Beyond Visual Line of Sight flight operations offshore in the United Kingdom. Aviation is a core capability at OSRL, and we are always looking to further develop and enhance our response capabilities to better serve our members and stakeholders. Integrating unmanned systems with our proven aviation resources is the obvious next step for review and assessment.”
Further Information
Flylogix is a team of innovative, practically-minded engineers, scientists and operators who are transforming the business of remote operations using unmanned aviation systems for over-horizon operations in remote locations.
Flylogix is pioneering the integration of in-house developed software, artificial intelligence, satellite communications with small UAVs and deployable ground stations. Flylogix customers include BP, Total, Equinor and National Grid.
Flylogix is based in Fareham and operates a fleet of FX2 unmanned aircraft from locations across the UK, from major commercial airports to short, isolated airstrips.
Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) is the largest international industry-funded cooperative which exists to respond to oil spills wherever in the world they may occur, by providing preparedness, response and intervention services. It is wholly owned by the world’s most environmentally responsible oil and gas companies, and its membership represents the majority of global oil production.
OSRL has an airborne capability to provide response services, including spill monitoring and the application of dispersants. Its fleet includes a PA31 and Boeing 727’s based in Doncaster, UK, two Cessna Skymaster 337aircraft based in West Africa, and a C130 based in the Asia Pacific region. In the last 12 months, OSRL has expanded its capabilities with the addition of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) operating within visual line of sight (VLOS).
Media contacts Information:
Chris Adams, Flylogix Business Development Director, on +44 (0)7779 696 833 or chris.adams@flylogix.com
Additional information is available on our websites https://www.flylogix.co.uk/ or follow us on Twitter: @FlylogixUAV and LinkedIn: Flylogix
Emma Smillie, Global Marketing and Communications Manager, +44 (0)23 8033 1551 or emmasmillie@oilspillresponse.com