Bühler GmbHTMS Awards 2023Port of South LouisianaSailors SocietyVan AalstVigan
  • Port of Stockton
  • Cimbria
  • Bühler GmbH
  • TBA Group
  • Sailors Society
  • TMS Awards 2023

Drone flights in Antwerp

(Posted on 10/09/19)

The SAFIR consortium of partners – Amazon Prime Air, Aveillant, C-Astral, DronePort, Elia, Explicit, Helicus, Port of Antwerp, Proximus, SABCA, Skeyes, Tekever and Unifly – have tested the first simultaneous drone flights in Sint-Truiden DronePort, for among other things package deliveries, inspection flights and emergency situations. European Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc also followed the demonstrations from the front row. SAFIR stands for "Safe and Flexible Integration of Initial U-space Services in a Real Environment," a project funded by the EU. After the first trial round in Sint-Truiden, the press is invited to watch the results of the second live demonstrations in Antwerp on Thursday 26 September together with drone specialists

The recent demonstrations and later this month will provide practical insights for the SESAR public-private partnership, which is the entity responsible for coordinating all EU air traffic management research and development activities. The demonstrations thus contribute to the European Commission's regulatory process for safe, standardized and more harmonious access to airspace for drones. Port of Antwerp is also actively involved in this project:

 

"Drones are a key element in the development of a digital nervous system through the port of Antwerp. A live feed of the various port activities thanks to a network of autonomous drones is a useful tool for the entire port community. The combination of industry and logistics makes the port environment an excellent testing ground for the SAFIR project and other planned drone demonstrations," says Erwin Verstraelen - Chief Digital Information & Innovation Officer at Port of Antwerp.

U-space is a promotional framework which in the long term should facilitate access to all levels of European airspace, including crewed air transport and air traffic control. If everything goes well, the first U-space basic services will be available by the end of 2019. This will allow a range of drone missions within a sustainable European ecosystem that is globally compatible. At present, some drone missions are limited in the absence of a clear regulatory framework.

"Drones stand for innovation, new civilian services, new business models and economic growth. U-space will help unleash the potential of these new services, ensuring safe and secure integration of drone mobility in both urban and rural environments," said EU Commissioner Violeta Bulc.

After the trial round at the DronePort in Sint-Truiden, the SAFIR partners will test simultaneous drone flights over Antwerp city centre and port, in a world first. The press can view the results of this test case, with explanations from the various partners involved, at Port House on Thursday 26 September at 10:00. Photographs and other visual material will also be made available. Subscribe at: communicatie@portofantwerp.com

Latest News

Heyport optimises port operations in Morocco with smart berth planning

(Posted on 15/06/25)

The smart berth planning platform heyport has been successfully deployed across all five Marsa... Read more


Brunei ports launch Kale Logistics Solutions' Maritime Single Window

(Posted on 15/06/25)

The Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) has announced that its national Maritime... Read more


AD Ports and ASRY to collaborate on strategic maritime and ports projects

(Posted on 15/06/25)

In the presence of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty’s Representative... Read more


HHLA strengthens in Ukraine with majority stake in Batiovo Terminal

(Posted on 06/06/25)

Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) is investing in a further terminal in Ukraine. The company is... Read more


Leading Scottish renewables port invests £3m to accommodate wind turbine boom

(Posted on 06/06/25)

Peel Ports Clydeport has invested £3m in infrastructure to support growing demand for handling... Read more


Kevin Beardsley appointed Duluth Port executive director

(Posted on 02/06/25)

Following a national search in the USA, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority Board of Commissioners have... Read more


Major Liverpool cement terminal to support UK construction growth

(Posted on 30/05/25)

A new cement import facility in North-west England is set to play a pivotal role in UK construction... Read more


Vancouver USA signals future as key global outlet for soda ash

(Posted on 30/05/25)

The Port of Vancouver USA port leaders and partners have broken ground on a project to construct a state... Read more


Pilbara Ports initiative to boost seafarer wellbeing

(Posted on 15/05/25)

Pilbara Ports has launched a new initiative aimed at enhancing seafarer welfare by improving onboard... Read more


SSA Marine sustainability milestone at the Port of Los Angeles

(Posted on 15/05/25)

SSA Marine, one of the world’s leading independent marine terminal operators, has announced that... Read more


Port of StocktonGeneva DryTBA GroupCimbriaTelestack
  • Geneva Dry
  • Vigan

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping