The Complete Guide to Confined Space Drone Inspections in Singapore (2025 Edition)

Written By Malcolm Teo

Introduction: The New Standard in Industrial Safety and Efficiency

In Singapore's high-stakes industrial environment, especially within oil & gas and petrochemical sectors, confined space inspections are unavoidable but risky, costly, and time-consuming. Traditional man-entry methods for inspecting tanks, FPSOs, pressure vessels, or flare stacks involve shutdowns, scaffolding, permits, and high safety overheads.

Enter confined space drones. These specialized UAVs are transforming inspections across Jurong Island, Tuas, and offshore platforms—delivering safer, faster, and more detailed insights at a fraction of the cost.

Why Confined Space Drones Are a Game-Changer

1. Eliminates Human Entry Risks
Drones like the Elios 3 operate in GPS-denied, dark, and dust-filled environments. With collision-tolerant carbon cages and real-time FPV video, drones remove the need for inspectors to enter dangerous voids.

2. Cuts Inspection Time by Over 80%
No need for scaffold erection, rope access, or extended downtime. Drones can complete internal inspections in hours instead of days.

3. Minimizes Production Losses
Quicker inspections mean faster turnarounds, translating to minimized shutdowns for refineries and process plants.

4. Delivers High-Resolution Data
4K visual feeds, LiDAR scanning, and photogrammetry allow for detailed defect detection, digital twin generation, and condition assessment—all documented and reviewable by engineers off-site.

Typical Applications in Singapore

  • Crude Oil Storage Tanks – Internal shell, roof, and bottom inspections

  • FPSO Cargo Tanks – Ballast and cargo holds during O&M or class renewal

  • Petrochemical Pressure Vessels – Reactors, separators, and distillation columns

  • Offshore Modules – Tight equipment rooms or pipe racks inaccessible via rope access

  • Ship Hulls and Engine Rooms – Drydock inspections in Keppel, Sembcorp, and Pandan yards

Regulatory Compliance & Safety Standards

In Singapore, confined space inspections are governed by the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act, with strict guidelines from:

  • Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on confined space entry permits

  • CAAS for UAV operations in industrial zones

  • Site-specific rules by Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, etc., on drone usage and safety

Our drone inspections are fully compliant with CAAS licensing and adhere to client-specific safety protocols. All pilots are certified and experienced in confined industrial environments.

What Arias Systems Offers

Specialized Drone Fleet:
Elios 3, Flyability, and LiDAR-equipped systems tailored for indoor and hazardous zones.

Veteran Inspection Team:
Trained personnel with civil, marine, and mechanical engineering backgrounds.

Turnkey Reports:
Detailed photo documentation, 3D mapping, and actionable defect logs formatted for client maintenance systems (e.g. SAP, Maximo).

Client Base:
Shell Bukom, ExxonMobil Jurong, Keppel Shipyard, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can this replace rope access or scaffolding?
A: Yes—for visual and non-contact inspections. For thickness measurements, follow-up access may still be needed in rare cases.

Q: Are confined space permits still required?
A: In most cases, drone entry does not trigger man-entry permits—removing the need for standby rescue teams or gas freeing.

Q: What file formats do we get?
A: 4K video, high-res photos, point cloud data (.las, .obj), and PDF condition reports.

Q: How soon can you mobilize?
A: Within 48 hours island-wide, subject to site clearance and job scope confirmation.

Let’s Talk

If you're planning a shutdown or need a rapid visual assessment, our team can scope and deploy a drone within days. Whether it's a floating roof tank in Jurong or an offshore separator module, Arias Systems delivers high-impact inspection services that save time, money, and lives.

Contact us: info@arias.com.sg | +65-62686307

Arias Systems Pte Ltd
Your partner in industrial inspection and engineering innovation.

Malcolm Teo