Chevron Corp., Royal Dutch Shell plc, and TotalEnergies SE are taking to the skies with Canada’s GHGSat as part of a year-long research project to detect offshore methane (CH4) leaks by satellite.

The three supermajors are supporting the project by allowing six of their offshore facilities to be observed, including ones in the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. An initial feasibility assessment will begin later this year with satellite readings checked against measurements taken onboard platforms by hand-held devices and drones. The trio agreed to participate in the study following successful demonstration trials.

“This is a GHGSat research project but one driven by customer demand,” said GHGSat CEO Stephane Germain. “Offshore producers are looking for ways to confirm...