Costain is creating a framework agreement for suppliers of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as it seeks to maximise the potential of drone technology.
The contractor said it has used UAVs on several contracts – notably a road construction project in Northern Ireland – and is exploring different ways the drones can provide value.
“We have been developing an understanding of how and where the technology can deliver projects more efficiently and safely,” said Peter Slater, aerial solutions manager.
Costain said that typical work for a UAV includes: inspection of existing structures, particularly in hard-to-reach or hazardous locations; and surveying large areas, either with standard cameras or more specialised measurement devices such as thermal imaging or light detection and ranging (LIDAR), which can be used for topographical surveys.
“One of the main drivers of the work comes down to taking people out of hazardous environments,” said Slater. “In addition, improvements in speed, efficiency and payload make this a technology with high potential.”
Costain’s intention is to work with specialist UAV suppliers, hence the framework plan.
“We’re speaking to industry leaders in the UAV technology space and getting them to understand our needs and our customers’ needs,” said Slater. “We have working relationships with a number of suppliers and will create a framework agreement with sector-specific suppliers that can cover a range of requirements.”
Although Slater has completed his Remote Pilot Qualification ground school, he does not see Costain’s priority as operating the UAVs itself just yet, partly due to the speed at which UAVs are developing.
“The technologies involved can become obsolete quite quickly. On top of that, the regulatory environment governing their operation will continue to undergo some notable changes,” he said.
UAVs have resulted in several near-misses with airliners and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) last year launched a “drone code” for UAV operators. The UK’s air traffic control authority, NATS, has also launched instruction courses for commercial UAV operators.
Slater has made around 20 presentations with Costain internally, nationally and internationally to explain UAVs’ capabilities and the benefits their use offers, as well as the rules governing their use.
