Expanded partnership highlights growing value of drones in large-scale industrial projects
Shell has renewed its multi-million dollar, five-year global agreement with Cyberhawk, a leader in drone-based inspection services and visual data management. The renewed contract reinforces Shell’s commitment to Cyberhawk’s iHawk™ platform, which supports digital transformation across assets and capital projects worldwide.
The drone industry has matured rapidly in recent years, and its value to large industries like energy is now clear. Companies are moving beyond experimental pilots and into full-scale adoption, using drone data to improve efficiency, safety, and decision-making.
A global platform for digital transformation
Cyberhawk first deployed iHawk with Shell in 2016 as part of a $10 billion capital project. Since then, the platform has expanded globally, supporting Shell’s engineering, construction, and retail infrastructure initiatives. The platform now serves over 6,000 users in dozens of countries across four continents.
“Shell recognized early on the agility and customization that Cyberhawk and iHawk bring to the table,” said Patrick Saracco, SVP of Sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Cyberhawk. “What began as a single capital project has expanded into a long-term global partnership. We now collaborate with Shell to tailor iHawk’s development roadmap to their evolving needs. This joint innovation effort has shifted the yardstick for what is possible in this space.”
iHawk offers a single entry point for visualizing, navigating, and managing large volumes of project data. Its user-friendly design and data-agnostic approach make it an essential tool within Shell’s digital strategy.
Clear operational value
Shell’s use of iHawk has delivered clear value across multiple areas:
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Operational efficiency: Reducing logistical and on-site visit costs.
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Faster decision-making: Cutting the time needed to locate and validate project documents.
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Risk mitigation: Reducing supply chain disputes through greater transparency and visual verification.
The renewed agreement builds on a strong foundation of shared innovation and operational success. Shell’s commitment to expanding the use of iHawk demonstrates the platform’s impact on both day-to-day operations and long-term asset management.
A model for the energy sector
Cyberhawk’s partnership with Shell is exemplary. Today, iHawk is not only used by asset owners but also by engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors and global operators. Its adaptability shows the potential of drones and data platforms to support complex industrial needs.
As Shell continues to invest in global infrastructure and decarbonization efforts, Cyberhawk remains a key partner in supporting projects that are more data-driven and collaborative.
For more information on Cyberhawk’s iHawk platform, visit thecyberhawk.com/ihawk.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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