{"id":11931,"date":"2025-06-17T16:00:05","date_gmt":"2025-06-17T07:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/?p=11931"},"modified":"2025-07-01T13:14:58","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T04:14:58","slug":"terra-drone-and-modec-renew-joint-rd-agreement-for-fpso-crude-oil-storage-tanks-inspections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/2025\/06\/17\/terra-drone-and-modec-renew-joint-rd-agreement-for-fpso-crude-oil-storage-tanks-inspections\/","title":{"rendered":"Terra Drone and MODEC Renew Joint R&#038;D Agreement for FPSO Crude Oil Storage Tanks Inspections"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em><strong>Key Point: <\/strong><\/em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building on Past Achievement to Further Advanced Drone Technology and Operational Efficiency <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tokyo, June 17, 2025<\/strong><b> \u2013 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Terra Drone Corporation (\u201cTerra Drone\u201d), a leading drone and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) technology company headquartered in Japan, has renewed its joint research and development (\u201cR&amp;D\u201d) agreement with MODEC, Inc. (\u201cMODEC\u201d) for the non-destructive internal inspection of crude oil storage tanks on Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading systems (FPSOs) using its in-house developed Terra UT drones. This renewed agreement builds upon the joint R&amp;D contract signed by both companies in 2024, following\u00a0 significant achievement in improving measurement accuracy, enhancing safety, and reducing inspection time. The renewed partnership aims to further advance the practical application and operational deployment of this technology.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-11932 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/KV\uff08\u82f1\uff09TD_MODEC_\u5951\u7d04\u66f4\u65b0\uff081200\u00d7629px\uff09-300x157.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1527\" height=\"799\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/KV\uff08\u82f1\uff09TD_MODEC_\u5951\u7d04\u66f4\u65b0\uff081200\u00d7629px\uff09-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/KV\uff08\u82f1\uff09TD_MODEC_\u5951\u7d04\u66f4\u65b0\uff081200\u00d7629px\uff09-1024x537.png 1024w, https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/KV\uff08\u82f1\uff09TD_MODEC_\u5951\u7d04\u66f4\u65b0\uff081200\u00d7629px\uff09-768x403.png 768w, https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/KV\uff08\u82f1\uff09TD_MODEC_\u5951\u7d04\u66f4\u65b0\uff081200\u00d7629px\uff09.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1527px) 100vw, 1527px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On FPSOs, periodic structural inspections are indispensable, but must be performed in parallel with production operations by a limited number of crew members. The ability to safely perform inspections without increasing the number of personnel onboard offers a significant advantage. By innovating drone inspection techniques, MODEC and Terra Drone will continue to contribute to improved occupational safety, manpower reduction, and greater efficiency in FPSOs and other offshore platform operations (*1).<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Background<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FPSOs require regular maintenance and inspections to ensure stable crude oil and gas production over\u00a0 operational lifespans exceeding 20 years. However, conventional manual inspections in elevated or confined spaces present significant occupational safety risks and remain a common challenge across the industry. To address this, Terra Drone and MODEC have been jointly developing drone-based solutions with the goal of fully replacing manual inspections inside FPSO crude oil storage tanks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Through this collaboration, the two companies have successfully reduced inspection time and enhanced safety by developing the Terra UT drone for inspection operations on FPSOs operating offshore Brazil.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u3010Terra Drone and MODEC: Progress of Technical Collaboration and Joint R&amp;D\u3011<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FY2023: Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to initiate technical collaboration (2).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FY2024: Entered into a joint R&amp;D agreement based on the MoU (3).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FY2025: Renewed the agreement based on the successful results from the joint R&amp;D efforts.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><strong>Key Achievements in FY2024<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improved measurement accuracy through the enhancement of ultrasonic sensors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enhanced safety during inspection operations by equipping the drone with a gas detector.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Significantly increased cleaning efficiency: The upgraded wire brush enables more effective removal of impurities and oil residues (such as wax), allowing up to 10 times more inspection operations within the same time frame compared to previous method.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continuous power supply via\u00a0 tethered cable: The introduction of a tethered cable system eliminates the need for battery replacement, reducing the number of drone landings during inspections to one-tenth of the previous frequency.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><strong>Development Themes for FY2025<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building on these technological achievements, the renewed agreement will focus on the following new development items.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2460Optimization of Airframe Structure and Design:<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enhancing\u00a0 robustness and operational stability for global deployment<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Integration of high-resolution cameras to improve visual inspection capabilities\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Redesigned airframe for improved maintainability\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased robustness and adaptability for large tanks through reinforced and extended tether cables\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enhanced safety with advanced explosion-proof measures for the tethered cable system\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Airframe designed for air transport to facilitate global deployment<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u2461Development of New Measurement Technologies:<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Introduction of a gel-free measurement method for inspections, further improving operational efficiency<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Ultrasonic Inspection Using the Terra UT Drone<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Terra UT drone is an industrial drone developed by Terra Drone for the non-destructive measurement of steel wall thickness inside storage tanks. By analyzing the reflected waves from its onboard ultrasonic sensors, the drone can quantitatively assess corrosion and thinning of the steel material. Before measurement, the inner walls of crude oil storage tanks, often covered with sand and oil residues (such as wax), are cleaned using a built-in wire brush to ensure a smooth surface. A specialized inspection gel is then applied to facilitate the transmission of ultrasonic waves, after which the sensor is pressed against the tank wall for measurement. By repeating this process at multiple points, the drone enables comprehensive assessment of the tank\u2019s internal surface condition.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Future Prospects<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The impact of this project on Terra Drone\u2019s consolidated financial results for the FY2025 is expected to be minimal. Should any matters requiring disclosure arise in the future, an announcement will be made without delay.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Editor\u2019s Notes:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1:<\/span> <b>Offshore platform<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A marine structure that serves as a base for conducting production, or both drilling and production operations, in offshore environments<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2: Related press release:<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/2023\/11\/21\/terra-drone-and-modec-inc-sign-mou-regarding-the-technical-development-of-inspection-drones-for-offshore-platforms\/\">https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/2023\/11\/21\/terra-drone-and-modec-inc-sign-mou-regarding-the-technical-development-of-inspection-drones-for-offshore-platforms\/<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/14756\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3:<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Related press release: <a href=\"https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/2024\/07\/01\/modec-and-terra-drone-enter-joint-rd-agreement-to-enhance-offshore-platform-inspections-with-advanced-drone-technology-collaboration-to-serve-the-industry-by-enabling-unmanned-inspection\/\">https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/2024\/07\/01\/modec-and-terra-drone-enter-joint-rd-agreement-to-enhance-offshore-platform-inspections-with-advanced-drone-technology-collaboration-to-serve-the-industry-by-enabling-unmanned-inspection\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h4><strong>About MODEC, Inc.<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MODEC is the only company in Japan that provides a comprehensive range of services for floating offshore oil and gas production systems\u2014such as FPSOs (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading systems)\u2014including Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI), leasing, and Operations &amp; Maintenance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As an industry leader, MODEC is actively pursuing next-generation inspection technologies to address the challenges faced by the offshore oil and gas sector as a whole. For more information, please visit our website: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.modec.com\/jp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.modec.com\/jp<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h4><strong>About Terra Drone Corporation<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Terra Drone Corporation, headquartered in Japan, is a global leader in drone and Advanced\u00a0 Air Mobility (AAM) solutions. Dedicated to the mission of \u201cUnlock \u2018X\u2019 Dimensions\u201d, the company is committed to creating a prosperous future by &#8220;crossing&#8221; bridges\u2014integrating diverse fields to foster innovation and find solutions. Specializing in surveying, inspections, agriculture, and UAS Traffic Management (UTM), Terra Drone serves industries such as oil and gas, construction, chemicals, energy, and agriculture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With a portfolio of over 3,000 completed projects worldwide, Terra Drone has achieved significant milestones in the drone operations field. In July 2023, the company acquired a majority stake in Unifly, a world-leading provider of UTM platform, with deployments in over eight countries, followed by an investment in U.S.-based Aloft Technologies in February 2024, further expanding its capabilities in UTM.Terra Drone <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market (Stock Code: 278A) on November 29, 2024. It also secured top spot in Global Drone Service Provider Rankings for 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recognized by Drone Industry Insights as one of the top three industrial drone service providers globally for five consecutive years, Terra Drone aims to build the digital infrastructure necessary to unlock the full potential of drones and AAM solutions. For more information, please visit our website: <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.terra-drone.net\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">http:\/\/www.terra-drone.net<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Media Contact:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PR Team, Terra Drone Corporation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tel: +81-3-6419-7193<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Email: <\/span><a href=\"mailto:pr@terra-drone.co.jp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pr@terra-drone.co.jp<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Point: Building on Past Achievement to Further Advanced Drone Technology and Operational Efficiency Tokyo, June 17, 2025 \u2013 Terra Drone Corporation (\u201cTerra Drone\u201d), a leading drone and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) technology company headquartered in Japan, has renewed its joint research and development (\u201cR&amp;D\u201d) agreement with MODEC, Inc. (\u201cMODEC\u201d) for the non-destructive internal inspection [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":11932,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[196,189],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11931"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11931"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11931\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11937,"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11931\/revisions\/11937"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11932"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11931"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11931"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terra-drone.net\/global\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11931"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}