An inspection drone inspecting the coast

Coastal and Marine Sector Drone Services Asset inspections, surveys, mapping, modelling and more in the coastal and marine sector.

Safer coastal and marine inspections and surveys with zero downtime

We have worked with some of the biggest names in Ireland's coastal and marine sector. Our engineers have years of experience carrying out inspections and surveys of all kinds of assets, structures and landscapes. They understand the critical need to minimise downtime while guaranteeing the safety of all personnel and operational assets on site. Tell us what you need. It's our job to deliver it for you.

Irish Coast Guard logoPort of Cork logoPort of Waterford logoIrish Water logoLand Development Agency logoDachser logo
Ports & harboursCoastal defencesMarine structuresEnvironmental

Ports & harbours

Drones can inspect, survey and map critical port and harbour infrastructure with precision and speed. Using the latest technologies, our engineers can conduct aerial and underwater drone surveys of piers, docks, cranes and other maritime facilities. Whether you're looking to identify corrosion, assess structural damage or streamline operational inefficiencies, our engineers can produce quick, accurate and actionable deliverables in a format that enables optimal decision-making for you.

Aerial surveys for structural integrity

Fitted with the latest high-definition cameras, our UAVs can inspect cranes, docks and above-water infrastructure for signs of corrosion, cracks or other structural wear. This reduces the need for scaffolding or manual inspections, improving safety and minimising disruption.

Underwater inspections with submersible drones

With sonar and high-resolution imaging payloads, our submersible drones can gather data on the condition of submerged structures like pilings, sea walls and mooring points. Carried out by experienced engineers, these inspections can detect erosion, marine growth and structural damage in areas that are difficult or hazardous to access manually.

Environmental monitoring

Drones equipped with multispectral imaging and water quality sensors allow our engineers to monitor sediment movement, water pollution and ecological impact near ports and harbours. We can give you raw data or expert analysis. Either way, this data can support compliance with environmental regulations and sustainable operation.

Efficiency and operational insights

By capturing real-time aerial data, drones can provide insights into cargo handling, traffic flow and overall operational efficiency. Such insights can help to optimise workflows and identify potential bottlenecks in port operations.

Coastal defences

Monitor the condition and performance of critical coastal defence infrastructure, including embankments, sea walls and barriers. Using LIDAR , photogrammetry and thermal imaging, our experienced engineers can assess erosion, structural damage and potential weak points. This data enables proactive maintenance and supports effective coastal risk mitigation.

Precision mapping with LIDAR and photogrammetry

Drones equipped with LIDAR and photogrammetry payloads provide detailed topographical surveys of coastal defence structures and surrounding terrain. Our engineers can use this data to detect soil displacement, erosion or uneven settlement that might compromise the integrity of embankments or sea walls.

Structural assessments with thermal imaging

Thermal imaging technology can identify subsurface anomalies in coastal defences, such as moisture penetration, cracks or voids. This allows our clients to detect early signs of failure and address them before they escalate.

Monitoring water flow and sediment

Using drones with multispectral imaging and water quality sensors, our engineers can monitor sediment accumulation and water flow near coastal barriers or spillways. This information helps identify blockages or imbalances that could impact the effectiveness of the coastal defences.

Emergency response and post-event analysis

During and after coastal events, drones can rapidly survey affected areas to assess damage and guide emergency response efforts. Our engineers can work with you in the field to guide the recovery process and provide expert analysis of any damage.

Marine structures

Inspect marine structures such as offshore platforms, wind turbines, and underwater pipelines with advanced drone technology. Our engineers use a combination of aerial and underwater drones equipped with high-resolution cameras, sonar and thermal imaging to detect structural issues, corrosion and other potential problems.

Aerial inspections for offshore platforms

Drones equipped with high-definition cameras can capture detailed imagery of offshore platforms, identifying corrosion, structural damage and other issues. This reduces the need for manual inspections, improving safety and efficiency.

Underwater inspections with sonar

Submersible drones equipped with sonar and high-resolution cameras can inspect underwater structures, such as pipelines and wind turbine foundations, for damage, corrosion and blockages. This technology provides critical insights without the need for divers or costly shutdowns.

Thermal imaging for structural assessments

Thermal imaging technology can identify subsurface anomalies in marine structures, such as moisture penetration, cracks or voids. This allows our clients to detect early signs of failure and address them before they escalate.

Environmental monitoring

Monitor coastal and marine environments with advanced drone technology. Our engineers use drones equipped with multispectral imaging, thermal cameras and water quality sensors to track ecological changes, identify sources of contamination, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Multispectral / LIDAR for ecological monitoring

Drones equipped with multispectral imaging or LIDAR can monitor vegetation growth, water quality and pollution levels in coastal and marine environments. This data helps track ecological changes and identify sources of contamination.

Thermal imaging for environmental assessments

Thermal cameras can detect temperature anomalies in water bodies, helping to identify sources of pollution and monitor the health of marine ecosystems.

Water quality monitoring with sensors

Drones equipped with water quality sensors can monitor parameters such as pH, turbidity and dissolved oxygen levels, providing critical data for environmental assessments and regulatory compliance.

Some of the coastal and marine assets we work with most

How does it work?

Reach out and tell us your idea

We take emails, phone calls, messages, everything! If you are unsure of what's possible we are happy to advise, the most important thing is to get in touch. We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Start at the end

With drones, it's best to begin where you want to end up. What sort of deliverable would you like when it's all finished? If you are not sure then we can advise. We can look at what you would like and work backwards from there.

Scope of work and set a price

Once we have agreed on what is to be done, the scope of work is set and a price is agreed upon. We feel it is vital that everyone knows what they are getting and what they are paying for it. There should be no confusion.

Permits and other paperwork

Once we have confirmation you are happy to proceed, we start the ball rolling. We organise things like RAMS, site permits, Air Traffic Control clearance and much more. Basically, we generate everything needed to turn up on-site with all our ducks in a row.

Field Operations

Next, we do the work on site. We have the gear, we have the know-how, so now it's time to get the job done. This can sometimes be affected by the weather, but for the most part, we get the job done on the date specified.

Post Processing

This is where we take what we generated in the field and turn it into a final deliverable for you. This can be anything from the raw data itself, to fully processed Orthophotos, condition reports, CAD line work or thermal imagery.

Handover

The final step is the handover of the deliverables. We tend to use a cloud-based service, so you can access your data anywhere. We can also tie into your existing systems if that is more convenient.

Get a quote

Why choose Engineers with Drones?

Qualified engineers

As licensed engineers, we also provide the expertise, understanding, and knowledge necessary to carry out a thorough inspection, with deliverables to match. Our skilled engineers are at the ready.

IAA certification

The Irish Aviation Authority has awarded Engineers with Drones full approval in accordance with the most recent European-wide EASA regulations.

Latest technology

To ensure that you always get the best possible service and cutting-edge deliverables, we purchase the most up-to-date drone technology as soon as it's available.

Rigorous HSSE standards

The operation of Engineers With Drones is governed by a comprehensive HSSE system. Our guiding principles are to reduce risk through rigorous assessment, and to maintain a high level of staff education and training.

Fully insured

We have 6.5 million in public and product liability insurance, and 13 million in employers' liability insurance. Engineers with Drones are fully insured to fly wherever you need.

Based in Ireland

As we're situated in Ireland, we can respond to your needs quickly, with zero travel complications.

First-class deliverables

As seasoned engineers in the field, we are aware of the trouble that shoddy reports and deliverables can create. For this reason, we provide you with exactly what you require.

Quick turnaround times

Thanks to our fast turnaround times, your entire project can be completed in a fraction of the time of traditional methods, without any compromise in the quality of your deliverables.

4K and VR Footage

In addition to quadrupling the resolution of an HD camera, 4K also gives you quicker frame rates, incredible contrast variations, and expanded colours. VR video takes the level of immersion and clarity to the next level.

Coastal and Marine Sector Drone Services

We have worked with a wide range of coastal and marine sector clients, including big names in ports and harbours, coastal defences and marine structures. Here are just a few of the services our engineers can provide using the latest drone technology.

Photogrammetry

Capture a high-resolution, photorealistic 3D model of your terrain, accurate to the finest details.

Find out more
Internal Confined Spaces

Mitigate the risk factors of traditional confined space inspections, without compromising on quality.

Find out more
Multispectral

See the condition and health of crops and vegetation with multispectral imagery.

Find out more
Drone Photography

Capture high-quality imagery of your assets from never before seen vantage points.

Find out more
Geospatial Surveys

Map the features and topography of your land/space efficiently using drone technology.

Find out more
Thermal Imaging

Detect abnormalities within your assets that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye.

Find out more

How can we help?