Several onshore oil and gas repositories are situated in some of the most hostile and remote regions, which means that rig operators have already placed security at the top of their agenda. Offshore installations are equally located in high-hazard areas, where there remains the constant fear of sabotage, piracy, or terrorism.
Since 2017, oil refineries have become the biggest target, and there have been reported incidents of threats and attacks. The constant use of unauthorized drones has become more than a nuisance now; it has become extremely adversarial and aggressive. So, the implementation of high-end anti-drone systems has become more critical than ever.
Considering oil and gas refineries are an integral part of the global energy infrastructure, threats from unmanned drones and aerial systems often render the economy helpless. Anti-drone systems appear as a boon in such scenarios, trying to mitigate economic instability as much as possible.
Are There Really Frequent Attacks on Gas and Oil Facilities?
Yes. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has registered the stealing of over 400,000 barrels of oil every day in the country. There came out another report by Shell that focused on the fact that 90% of oil spills in Nigeria are caused due to third-party interference. Unauthorized drones were spotted near the Norwegian rigs by Danish and Swedish authorities, and there were occurrences of multiple gas leaks in the Nord Stream pipelines. This resulted in a rise in pollution in the Baltic Sea. Another instance in 2019 saw drones attacking Saudi Aramco’s oil facilities and resulting in massive fire breakouts.
So, do you understand now why is it necessary to implement measures for anti-drone for law enforcement and protection? Ensuring the safety of the oil refineries is more important now than ever, and the solutions will focus on locating, tracking, and neutralizing drone threats. When designed right, the anti-drone systems will be able to work across complex environments and differentiate between authorized and unauthorized drones.
Will Anti-Drone Systems Solve This Problem?
Anti-drone solutions are now being adopted by industry leaders. The likes of Chevron and Shell Oil Company have resorted to counter-drone systems to ensure better security of the oil refineries. These systems are designed to map the essential things, thereby optimizing response time and safety.
Detects Threats Early and Boosts Threats
The high-end anti-drone system will constantly man the perimeter and provide 3D surveillance of the refinery. Armed with a longer range, the system can detect, track, and classify several drones sooner than other sensors. This gives you time to implement the necessary measures to mitigate aerial threats. The systems can also cue sensors like RF detectors and cameras to identify the drone’s payload, type, and intent. Owing to the quick alarm, you can consider activating jamming or interception.
Protects Against Data Theft
Industrial espionage often targets proprietary processes and technological means present in your refinery. To prevent this, consider implementing anti-drone measures, as they can detect unauthorized drones even in restricted airspace. There is no chance of misidentifying them with birds or any other small objects. This also lowers the possibility of alarms blaring off frequently, thus providing the security teams with the correct information for an efficient and quick response when the actual need arises.
Prevents Physical Damage and Hazards
A drone flying in the vicinity of your refinery might collide with sensitive equipment, causing fire breakouts, explosions, oil leaks, etc., or severely impacting the infrastructure. Needless to say, this will result in millions of employee lives lost. But an anti-drone for law enforcement ensures that your facility remains protected from catastrophic damages and adheres to rules and regulations. Thanks to the protective measures, you get enough time to prepare your defenses.
Ensures Operational Continuity and Efficiency
Unmanned drone activities disrupt operations and result in costly operational downtime. The solution to this is to spot the disruptions on time so that there is no false alarm. Having counter-drone measures in place will ensure that you spot and track the threats accurately and right on time. The systems can even function well in complete darkness, thus offering you 24×7 surveillance and monitoring. While security personnel focus on other important duties, the anti-drone systems can check if drones are entering the restricted airspace.
Offers a Long-term Security Solution
Having a high-end anti-drone system means you need not invest in extensive physical security measures anymore. Your oil refinery will remain protected just fine without high-end perimeter fencing or security guards. Counter-drone systems will prove to be a cost-effective solution over time that helps you steer clear of significant financial losses. There will be no more unauthorized activities resulting in physical damage, espionage, or operational disruptions.
In conclusion
With time, it is given that your refinery will expand. The same can be done for the anti-drone system. This is a technology that scales easily to pave the path for deploying additional units whenever and however needed. Even when there is an existing security and operational framework, the counter-drone system integrates seamlessly for a comprehensive and cohesive defense strategy. Embracing a high-end anti-drone system will work as a proactive step to secure the gas and oil refinery’s future.
