Media Resources

(20 January 2026) As extreme weather events such as super typhoons and torrential rain have become increasingly frequent in recent years, Towngas has introduced drone technology to enhance pipeline inspection capabilities. The drone is used to monitor outdoor high-pressure gas transmission pipelines, enabling faster and more precise assessments of pipeline conditions. Any damage detected can be repaired promptly, further ensuring safe and stable gas supply.

Towngas’s pipeline inspection drone is equipped with advanced laser gas detection and 3D terrain comparison technologies. The drone can conduct aerial monitoring along pipeline routes, and if a gas leak is detected, an immediate report is generated, triggering repair works promptly.

Mr Dicky Chan from the System Maintenance Section of the Transmission Operation Department is among the first batch of employees trained as advanced-rating drone remote pilots. Before the introduction of the drone, the team had to conduct on-site inspections along the pipeline routes and perform Cathodic Protection Testing (CPT) at least once every three months to assess the condition of underground pipelines. After severe weather such as typhoons and black rainstorms, additional on-site inspections were also required. Since introducing the pipeline drone inspection, the time technicians spend hiking up hillsides for inspections has been significantly reduced, and the precision of location data in reports has greatly improved maintenance efficiency.

“Carrying a heavy backpack up and down the hills is hard work, but not particularly difficult. The most challenging part is conducting inspections after typhoons or torrential rain,” Dicky explained. Inspections are often limited by weather conditions, and staff can only head up the hillsides when weather and environmental conditions permit, whilst also having to navigate the challenging forest terrain affected by severe weather.

“In the past, before heading up the hillsides, we would be anxious to understand the conditions in the forested areas. With this drone, we can arrange aerial photography immediately and monitor the situation around the pipeline area, which gives us peace of mind.”  In addition, if pipeline repairs are needed, staff can use the drone first to assess the surrounding environment, helping technicians understand forest conditions and reducing the risks of working in dense vegetation.

Regarding the introduction of technology to assist engineering inspections, Dicky said he greatly valued the opportunity the company provided to learn drone piloting. “This has not only helped our daily work but has also enabled me to learn new skills.”

Ms Jacqueline Hui Ting-yan, Assistant General Manager – Transmission Operation at Towngas, explained that pipeline inspections previously required teams of three technicians. Taking the route from Chuen Lung to Tai Lam as an example, walking along the pipeline in the hillsides for inspections took approximately 16 hours and had to be completed over two days. The introduction of this drone has enabled technicians to focus on other important tasks.

Ms Hui stated that the drone programme is just the beginning of the Company’s response to new quality productive forces development. “We have already planned to participate in the Government’s next sandbox scheme to achieve the goal of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations covering approximately 15 kilometres. This will enable drone inspections to cover the entire 15-kilometre pipeline, further enhancing inspection efficiency.” She added that Towngas will continue to embrace technology to provide the public with a continuous gas supply and high-quality services.

- END -

Photo 1:

Towngas’s inspection drone is stationed at the Chuen Lung West Pigging Station, enabling effective monitoring of underground pipelines.

Photo 2:

The drone can conduct aerial monitoring along pipeline routes, allowing staff to understand pipeline conditions through real-time data.

Photo 3:

Towngas technicians need to hike through challenging terrain for each inspection to check the high-pressure pipelines from Chuen Lung to Tai Lam.

Photo 4:

For each inspection, Towngas technicians need to carry various testing tools up the hillsides, using professional instruments to detect and analyse pipeline conditions.

Photo 5:

Towngas technicians conduct regular inspections to ensure the condition of underground high-pressure pipelines and underground ball valves.

Photo 6:

Mr Dicky Chan from the System Maintenance Section of the Transmission Operation Department carries different tools for various tests during each hillside inspection.

Photo 7:

Transmission Operation Department staff work in teams of three when conducting hillside inspections.

Photo 8:

Ms Jacqueline Hui Ting-yan, Assistant General Manager – Transmission Operation at Towngas, believes that drone applications can further optimise the inspection process, whilst data collection and analysis enable more effective monitoring of pipeline conditions.

For media enquiries, please contact:
The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited