Campaign overview
In 2025, Explicit ApS successfully delivered its largest multi-million EUR contract to date: a comprehensive methane emissions measurement campaign for Equinor, the industry player with the world’s largest offshore asset portfolio. The campaign supports Equinor’s ambition to reduce methane emissions, optimise flaring activities and achieve gold-standard reporting under the OGMP 2.0 framework.
Together with UK-based subcontractor Cyberhawk Innovations Ltd., as a pilot partner for parts of the scope, the project set a new benchmark for drone-based methane measurement across oil and gas facilities.
“This contract marks a major milestone for the Explicit team, and I’m proud that we delivered it successfully, on time, and safely with zero incidents. Equinor is highly advanced in its efforts to reduce methane emissions, and it was a pleasure to collaborate with a team so willing to invest time and effort in new technological developments. This work also stands as a testament to our Drone Flux Measurement (DFM) Method and our Emissions Lab services, in their ability to support large-scale, data-driven, site-level surveys. This campaign shows that large portfolio surveys with multiple complexities do not need to be a problem when you have the right methodology, the right team, and the digital infrastructure to support fast data turnaround.” – Jon Knudsen, CEO of Explicit
Objectives
Equinor’s extensive range of offshore and onshore assets required a measurement solution that was reliable, accurate and efficient. The objective was to measure 95% of total methane emissions across Equinor’s Norwegian assets using the Drone Flux Measurement (DFM) Method developed and patented by Explicit. Following scope adjustments, the project quantified methane emissions from 33 offshore and 5 onshore facilities, with additional flare efficiency calculations performed on multiple flares.
Measurement methods
A combination of advanced emissions monitoring methods was applied to achieve the scope:
- DFM for CH₄ and CO₂
- Limited DFM measurements for C₂H₆
- Flare Destruction Removal Efficiency (DRE) calculations wherever relevant
Operational highlights
A total of 38 assets were measured over a six-month period, including 33 offshore and 5 onshore sites. During this time, 701 DFM flights were completed, resulting in 188 emissions reports and 24 DRE reports. The team completed more than 200 flight hours with zero incidents and accumulated 353 combined field days across offshore platforms and onshore facilities.
A multi-crew deployment model enabled rapid progress:
- 8 instances with 2 crews operating simultaneously.
- 3 instances with 3 crews deployed at the same time to maximise productivity during narrow North Sea weather windows.
The project directly involved more than 35 experts, including 8 drone pilots, 15 observers and several emissions specialists. Successful delivery was made possible by the dedication and coordinated effort of all teams involved.
“It was a great experience leading this large-scale project. Everyone involved was professional, highly skilled, and worked together to navigate the challenging North Sea environment. The scope was demanding, but the team rose to the occasion, and I’m proud of what we achieved. Collaborating with colleagues from Equinor and Cyberhawk has been invaluable, and I’m confident that the partnerships we’ve built will continue to drive future successes.” – Laura De Rossi, Lead Project and Lab Manager at Explicit
Technical insights
For most offshore assets, the DFM Method enabled independent quantification of flare and vent emissions from platform body emissions. Onshore facilities were divided into segments or source groups to improve source allocation. Multiple sites were measured across a range of operational conditions to improve understanding of how operational factors influence emission levels.
- Real-time support was provided by the Explicit project managers throughout the campaign to both the pilot crew and Equinor.
- All quality-controlled emission reports were issued continuously throughout the campaign at a fast pace to support corrective action.
- All end-deliverables for the entire scope were finalised and submitted within two weeks of the final measurement campaign.
This rapid turnaround was enabled by the DFM Method and demonstrates Explicit’s ability to deliver fast, accurate and high-quality emissions data to support regulatory compliance and operational decision-making.
Reflections
The success of this campaign reflects the dedication and technical excellence of all teams involved. It also reinforces Explicit’s position as a trusted partner for large-scale, data-driven methane emissions survey and reporting.
As a global pioneer in drone-based emissions measurement, we remain committed to working with operators who are determined to measure and reduce their methane emissions and optimise flaring activities. It was a privilege to partner with Equinor and support their continued leadership in methane mitigation.