Antwerp-Bruges launches port management drone network

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has launched a drone network to aid security and management of its facilities.

In what is said to be a world first, six autonomous drones will make daily flights over the port area, covering a range of functions including berth management, surveillance, infrastructure inspections, oil spill and floating debris detection, and to assist safety partners with incidents.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is working with partners DroneMatrix, SkeyDrone and Proximus for the D-Hive drone in a box network that will operate 18 daily BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) drone flights controlled remotely by a commando Center in the heart of the port.

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “Given the vast area of ​​the port, drones give us leverage when it comes to fulfilling our core tasks as a port authority. This drone network will play a crucial role in the continued deployment of the port’s digital twin, a digital replica based on thousands of data from a network of cameras, sensors and drones, providing a real-time picture of what’s happening at the port every second.”

The port said it is the world’s first implementation of BVLOS flights on such a scale in a complex industrial environment.

Anne-Sophie Lotgering, Proximus Enterprise Market Lead: “We are proud to contribute to the overall security and operational efficiency in one of the most important economic growth engines of Belgium. This newly launched network of autonomous drones will support the Port Authority in its day-to-day activities, for example by facilitating the detection of oil spills and flotsam, or by helping to coordinate disaster and incident response. The many companies that are active in and around the Antwerp port area in a broader sense also benefit from this.

Source: News Network