Malaysia’s national oil and gas firm, Petronas, has formed a strategic collaboration with a homegrown global leader in drone technology, Aerodyne Group, to examine the potential for the deployment and commercialization of drone-based solutions. The agreement was signed between Petronas’ technology commercialization arm, Petronas Technology Ventures Sdn Bhd (PTVSB), and Aerodyne’s subsidiary unit, Aerodyne Oil and Gas Sdn Bhd.
The partners aim to increase the adoption of drone-based technology in the energy industry and other sectors, to improve operational efficiency while lowering carbon footprint and enhancing worksite safety. They will jointly assess technical and economic viability of drone solutions with higher payloads and longer ranges to increase logistics efficiency and speed. Petronas has previously launched the Petronas Drone Center, which has demonstrated an inter-platform delivery for payloads of 5kg within a 5km distance. Aerodyne has also been involved in aerial monitoring and reporting of Petronas’ refinery and petrochemical integrated development (Rapid), the largest refinery and petrochemical complex in South East Asia.
Furthermore, both companies will delve into technology enhancement, human capital development, the creation of related regulations and standards, as well as increasing the use of drone services in local industries. The collaboration will also support Petronas’ aspirations to enable remote and autonomous operations through its robotics and digitalization expansion.
(Sources: Petronas; New Straits Times; Meed)
