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Drone-Based Methane Emissions Survey Launched on Equinor Offshore Platforms
Equinor and partners launch drone-based methane survey across 33 offshore platforms—marking a major step toward greener offshore operations.
Offshore Drone Campaign Kicks Off to Monitor Emissions Across 33 Equinor Platforms
A groundbreaking emissions monitoring campaign is now in full swing across the Norwegian sector of the North Sea, setting new standards for drone-based offshore surveillance. Launched in partnership between Cyberhawk and Explicit, this initiative aims to measure methane emissions on 33 offshore oil and gas assets operated by Equinor—Norway’s leading energy company.
According to industry sources, the operation is currently the largest offshore drone-based emissions survey conducted under the United Nation’s Climate and Clean Air Coalition, specifically aligned with the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0 framework. It represents a crucial move in the region’s ongoing effort to decarbonize operations while maintaining transparency and compliance in greenhouse gas monitoring.
Since April 1, 2025, eight specialized teams have been deployed offshore to gather high-resolution emissions data using unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The campaign, estimated to be worth several million euros, is tightly scheduled for completion by the end of September 2025, emphasizing the high-urgency nature of environmental data gathering in the sector.
Cyberhawk’s Chief Operating Officer, Philip Buchan, describes the initiative as a major cross-functional effort that involves both companies’ technical, operations, planning, and commercial teams, in addition to UAS pilots and engineers. “This campaign is spearheaded internally by Cyberhawk’s Oil, Gas & Marine team, which brings together industry experts with deep operational knowledge of the offshore sector,” Buchan shared in a recent statement.
Explicit, the project’s prime contractor, is known for its expertise in deploying UAS technology to monitor and quantify methane emissions with exceptional precision. Their participation further solidifies the campaign’s value in terms of credibility, safety, and data quality. The integration of real-time aerial data capture represents a shift toward smarter, more responsive asset management for offshore installations.
For professionals in offshore telecommunications and survey operations, this campaign is an important signal of how the industry is evolving. As offshore assets increasingly rely on advanced drone technologies, demand for cross-trained personnel with experience in both emissions monitoring and drone operations is expected to rise. The coordination between operations and environmental compliance is no longer optional—it’s becoming standard practice.
This also highlights the growing need for subsea and topside specialists who are not only technically skilled but are also adaptable to the sustainability requirements shaping the future of offshore energy. It’s a call to action for field engineers, UAS technicians, surveyors, and offshore project managers to stay aligned with environmental protocols and digital innovation.
At SA Operations, we see this as a clear example of where the offshore industry is heading—towards cleaner, more intelligent, and more transparent operations. It’s not just about emissions data; it’s about redefining how offshore platforms are monitored, managed, and improved for the long term.
This campaign also reminds us of the critical role specialized personnel play in the success of such large-scale operations. From drone pilots to survey coordinators, and from subsea engineers to compliance officers, skilled professionals are the backbone of innovation offshore.
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About SA Operations
SA Operations specializes in recruiting highly skilled professionals for offshore and onshore projects in the Oil & Gas, Renewables, and Maritime industries. Offering comprehensive recruitment, head-hunting, and payroll solutions, the company delivers specialized talent for projects ranging from subsea operations to renewable energy development. SA Operations is committed to providing industry-leading solutions and ensuring seamless project execution for clients across the globe.
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