Flylogix Completed First Civilian Cross-Border Drone Flight
A drone surveyed methane emissions at the Statfjord B platform after a flight from Shetland to Norway.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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Flylogix successfully piloted an uncrewed aircraft 290 nautical miles from Tingwall, Shetland, to the Statfjord B platform in Norwegian waters. The four-hour and 50-minute flight marks the first civilian cross-border drone operation originating from the UK.
Why it matters
The mission aimed to measure methane emissions from energy infrastructure in the North Sea. By utilizing remote drone technology for international monitoring, the operation demonstrates a new logistical capability for surveying offshore energy assets.
The aircraft completed a 290-nautical-mile journey in four hours and 50 minutes. The Statfjord B platform, which operates in 145 metres of water, was originally installed in 1982.
The players
Flylogix
An aviation technology company that specializes in remote drone operations and environmental monitoring.
Equinor
A Norwegian state-owned energy company that has held the operatorship of the Statfjord field since 1987.
The details
Coordinated with aviation authorities, navigation providers, and Equinor, the flight integration allowed for a remote methane survey of the infrastructure. The project highlights the increasing integration of uncrewed aircraft into international maritime operations for environmental oversight.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: The drone flight was completed.
1974: The Statfjord field was discovered.
1979: First production began at the Statfjord field.
1982: The Statfjord B platform was installed and began production.
1987: Equinor took over operatorship of the field.
Market Landscape
This mission represents a strategic shift toward utilizing uncrewed technology to monitor North Sea infrastructure, moving away from traditional crewed inspection methods. It positions Flylogix as a key player in the evolving competition for high-tech environmental compliance services.
The adoption of remote surveying technology by energy firms may lead to more accurate environmental reporting and potentially lower operational costs for offshore infrastructure. For stakeholders, this shift signals an increased focus on utilizing automated tools to meet tightening emission transparency standards.
The takeaway
Advancements in uncrewed aerial technology are expanding the reach of environmental monitoring across international maritime borders. Companies are increasingly integrating these long-range drone capabilities to streamline data collection at remote energy sites.
Further reading
Explore ongoing developments in energy infrastructure monitoring on our Oil and Gas section.
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Do you believe the use of uncrewed drones for industrial monitoring is a positive development?
