Japanese aerial robotics leader Terra Drone has renewed its research and development partnership with offshore energy solutions provider MODEC, with a continued focus on enhancing the inspection of crude oil storage tanks on Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. The extended collaboration centers around the deployment and improvement of Terra Drone’s proprietary Terra UT drone, a specialized system designed for non-destructive testing (NDT) of steel tank walls.
The Terra UT drone represents a breakthrough in the internal inspection of FPSO crude oil tanks, offering a safer, faster, and more accurate alternative to manual inspection methods. Developed in-house by Terra Drone, the platform uses ultrasonic sensors to assess wall thickness and detect corrosion or thinning—key indicators of structural health. The drone is equipped with a wire brush for surface cleaning, an inspection gel applicator, and a tethered power system, enabling continuous flight without battery limitations.
The partnership has been tested extensively in offshore operations, including projects in Brazil, where FPSOs are a cornerstone of deepwater oil production. These trials have demonstrated significant reductions in inspection time and improved safety by minimizing the need for human entry into confined tank spaces.
As MODEC continues to operate and maintain a global fleet of FPSOs, the collaboration with Terra Drone is aimed at advancing drone-based tank inspection technologies from R&D to operational deployment. The renewed agreement will also focus on scaling adoption across the broader offshore energy sector.
“Through this agreement, Terra Drone and MODEC aim to promote the widespread adoption of the drone-based inspection technologies developed under this agreement across the industry, while continuing to enhance the Terra UT drone and improve its operational efficiency. Going forward, both companies remain committed to leveraging drone technology to contribute to improve workplace safety, address labor shortages, and streamline inspection operations.”
Reference: https://dronelife.com/2025/06/19/fpso-inspections-terra-drone-modec/
