UK-based air taxi and drone logistics company Skyport has partnered with Norwegian energy firm Equinor to conduct drone-based deliveries to oil rigs in the North Sea. The trial was launched earlier this month and will be conducted over a period of two months.

The trial utilizes drones from its partner, Swoop Areo, an Australian drone-based health logistics provider. The service is available on-demand, daily, and is piloted from shore, delivering cargo between Equinor's processing center in Mongstad and installations in the Gullfaks oil field. The drones can carry a range of cargo, including spare parts, equipment, and care packages.

Analyst QuickTake: Today’s trial marks the first time Skyports conducted offshore deliveries, even though the company has launched several programs to trial shore-to-ship deliveries in partnerships, including with Royal Mail, Singapore’s Jurong Port, Thome Group, and Wilhelmsen.