As part of the framework, Cyberhawk will undertake wind turbine blade inspections across the operator’s network across the UK and Ireland (photo: Cyberhawk)

Cyberhawk, provider of inspection, survey and asset management using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), has been awarded a 3-year framework with one of the UK’s largest renewable energy operators.

As part of the framework, Cyberhawk will undertake wind turbine blade inspections across the operator’s network across the UK and Ireland.

Cyberhawk CEO Chris Fleming says, “We continue to make great inroads in renewable energy as a result of our UAV data collection and asset management software, iHawk. We are experiencing an increase of work in this sector which is highlighted by this recent framework award, and will continue to work closely with renewable energy suppliers around the globe to develop solutions which meet their needs.”

The award of the framework marks the end of Cyberhawk’s most successful year since its launch in 2008, with revenue increasing by a third, increased profitability and the completion of a series of major projects.

In oil and gas, Cyberhawk took a stronghold in the US market following the launch of its Houston office in 2016, winning new projects in the region and securing accreditation from the American Bureau of Shipping for its internal tank inspection solution. As well as helping to develop Oil & Gas UK’s offshore drone guidelines, Cyberhawk has also completed multiple long terms projects in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe, where the company achieved a 50% cost saving for one of the North Sea’s largest operators. First projects were also completed in the Caribbean and in the Mediterranean.

Cyberhawk has made significant headway in the renewables sector, both in onshore and offshore wind. As well as the recent framework award, the company has also secured a global framework with wind turbine manufacturer Siemens Gamesa. Projects have been completed onshore and offshore throughout Europe including first projects offshore Germany, and supplementing the inspection of wind turbine blades were also multiple successful offshore converter and substation inspections.

2017 has also been a busy year in the electricity transmission and distribution sector, with Cyberhawk having now completed work for the majority of UK and Ireland transmission network operators (TNO), distribution network operators (DNO) and major tier 1 contractors. Not only did the firm receive a contract with a TNO to inspect 2,000 towers, it also implemented its field tablet solution for a DNO to allow completion of ESQCR inspection and ground patrols on over 4,000 towers.

Software remains a major part of Cyberhawk’s business across all sectors, and ongoing development has taken place over the last 12 months to meet increasing needs from clients. Two new modules were launched on iHawk, Cyberhawk’s cloud-based asset management software, specifically for substation asset management and tower bar-by-bar inspections. iHawk will continue to represent a significant part of Cyberhawk’s growth strategy during 2018 and beyond.

Discussing the highlights of the last 12 months, Fleming says, “2017 has been an exciting year for Cyberhawk and we have been extremely encouraged to see the uptake of UAVs for inspection and survey increase exponentially. We believe this is only set to continue and our team is using the success of the last 12 months as a springboard for 2018. Cyberhawk will continue to innovate, grow our talented team and develop customer-centric solutions to challenges across a range of industries. We are very excited to see what 2018 will bring.”

Tags: Cyberhawk, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE)