Japan's Terra Drone will boost collaboration with Saudi Aramco in inspections

Terra Drone, a Japanese startup that uses drones to inspect and survey energy infrastructure, has announced it is increasing its cooperation with Saudi Arabian state-owned Aramco in order to inspect oil and natural gas facilities.

Terra Drone, a Japanese company, has signed an agreement with Aramco that will allow it to test its drones in Saudi Arabia. This is expected to begin later this year or early next.

Terra Drone stated that the actual operation of the inspections will begin in 2027. Terra Drone's contract with Aramco would be its largest ever in terms of drone inspections at oil and gas installations.

Toru Tokushige, Terra Drone's CEO and founder, said that the company aims to sell billions of yen over a medium-to-long term period (three to five years).

Terra Drone established a Saudi Arabian subsidiary in 2023 after raising $14 million from Wa'ed Ventures. This venture capital arm is part of Aramco.

Terra Drone is a drone company that has conducted inspections and surveys in the Middle East but not for Aramco.

Aramco sets up scaffolding for its employees to inspect storage tanks, other facilities and equipment.

Terra Drone, in addition to infrastructure inspections and drones that apply pesticides and fertilisers to crops, is also developing traffic management systems.

In November 2024, the company will be listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market 250 Index. The company has not yet become profitable. Maki Shiraki is the reporter. Daniel Leussink is the author. Mark Potter (editing)

(source: Reuters)