Reviving Drone Technology for FPSO Inspections: MODEC and Terra Drone Collaboration

Japan’s MODEC is ramping up its drone technology game for crude oil storage tank inspections on FPSO vessels and large offshore platforms by partnering with Terra Drone Corporation.

With FPSOs needing regular maintenance and inspections for stable crude oil and gas production over operational lifespans exceeding 20 years, MODEC and Terra Drone have been jointly developing drone-based solutions to replace manual inspections inside FPSO crude oil storage tanks, reducing occupational safety risks.

The duo has renewed its joint R&D agreement for non-destructive internal inspection of crude oil storage tanks on FPSOs with Terra UT drones, achieving improved measurement accuracy, enhanced safety, and reduced inspection time.

Collaboration between the two companies has already cut inspection time and enhanced safety during operations on FPSOs offshore Brazil, with advancements in ultrasonic sensors and gas detection capabilities.

The partnership has also increased cleaning efficiency with an upgraded wire brush, enabling more effective removal of impurities and oil residues, allowing for up to ten times more inspection operations within the same timeframe.

Continuous power supply via a tethered cable system has eliminated the need for battery replacement, reducing the frequency of drone landings during inspections. The focus now shifts to further advancing the practical application and operational deployment of drone technology.

MODEC emphasized the importance of safely conducting inspections without increasing onboard personnel, contributing to improved occupational safety, manpower reduction, and greater efficiency in FPSOs and offshore platforms operations.

In 2025, MODEC and Terra plan to optimize airframe structure and design for global deployment, integrating high-resolution cameras for improved visual inspection capabilities. They will also enhance maintainability, robustness, and adaptability for large tanks, along with advanced explosion-proof measures for safety.

The partnership aims to develop new measurement technologies with a gel-free method for inspections to improve operational efficiency, building on their ABS-approved drone-based FPSO hull thickness measurement in 2023.

MODEC and Toyo Engineering have launched a global capability center in India to support engineering, procurement, and FPSO projects, solidifying their strategic presence in the industry.