IMPA EventsViganTelestackTMS Awards 2023TOC Europe 2023Bühler GmbH
  • Coaltrans Asia 2023
  • Telestack
  • Bühler GmbH
  • IMPA Events
  • TOC Europe 2023
  • Cimbria

SAFIR to demonstrate U-space drone in Belgium

(Posted on 01/11/18)

The SAFIR consortium, a group of 13 public and private organisations, has been selected by Single European Sky ATM Research Joint Undertaking (SESAR JU) to demonstrate integrated Drone Traffic Management for a broad range of drone operations in Belgium. The goal of the SAFIR project is to contribute to the EU regulatory process for drones and drive forward the deployment of interoperable, harmonised and standardised drone services across Europe.

The SAFIR consortium (Safe and Flexible Integration of Initial U-space Services in a Real Environment) consists of the following organisations: Unifly, Amazon Prime Air, Belgocontrol, DronePort, Proximus, the Port of Antwerp, Helicus, SABCA, Elia, High Eye, C-Astral, Tekever and Aveillant.
 
The objective of the demonstration is to help SESAR JU, the entity responsible for coordinating all EU research and development activity in Air Traffic Management, contribute to the European Commission’s U-space vision of ensuring safe and secure access to airspace for drones.

U-space is an enabling framework that will evolve over time to facilitate access to all classes of airspace and operating environments – to include congested airspace – while addressing an appropriate interface with manned aviation and air traffic control.  When fully deployed, a wide range of drone missions that are currently being restricted will be possible thanks to a sustainable and robust European ecosystem that is globally interoperable. The timing for U-space is critical given the speed at which the market is growing. The aim is to have foundation U-space services in place by 2019.
 
SAFIR will carry out multiple studies and demonstrations for drone operations that are viable, robust and ready-to-implement throughout Europe. These demonstrations will include surveillance flights (including container terminal inspection, oil spill inspection) in the Port of Antwerp, parcel delivery, medical inter-hospital transport, high voltage line mapping and pylon inspection. Further the use of telecommunication network technology for data communication with both manned aircraft and other unmanned aircraft will be assessed. Finally, a radar system will be deployed capable of monitoring cooperative and non-cooperative drones.

Latest News

Vancouver Fraser Port Authority announces leadership transition

(Posted on 02/06/23)

Vancouver Fraser Port Authority CEO Robin Silvester has announced that he will be leaving the port authority... Read more


AD Ports and Vale to develop low-carbon steel mega hubs

(Posted on 31/05/23)

AD Ports Group , the Abu Dhabi based leading facilitator of global trade, logistics and industry, has... Read more


Port leaders extend WPCAP for greener shipping

(Posted on 31/05/23)

The World Port Climate Action Program (WPCAP) will be extended with a new focus on shore power, new... Read more


OVET to accommodate ships with deeper draughts in Vlissingen

(Posted on 30/05/23)

Ships sailing from the North Sea via the Westerschelde to unload dry bulk goods at OVET's quay in Vlissingen... Read more


Bulk rises in Hamburg as overall throughput falls

(Posted on 23/05/23)

The problematic trend in the world economy is affecting Port of Hamburg throughput figures. As in other... Read more


AD Ports and KPT to develop Karachi port infrastructure

(Posted on 23/05/23)

A senior delegation from United Arab Emirates (UAE) visited Karachi and met with H.E. Faisal Sabzwari... Read more


New electric cranes at Tees Dock offer sustainability boost

(Posted on 16/05/23)

Two new electric harbour cranes, representing an £8.6 million investment, are the latest arrivals... Read more


Ports of Klaipeda and Hamburg intensify cooperation

(Posted on 14/05/23)

At a ceremony held during the transport logistic trade fair in Munich, Algis Latakas, General Director... Read more


New hybrid-electric vessel loads first cargo at ABP Ipswich

(Posted on 08/05/23)

Associated British Ports (ABP’s) Port of Ipswich, the UK’s leading grain export port, has... Read more


AD Ports purchase five bulk carriers to strengthen shipping capabilities

(Posted on 02/05/23)

AD Ports Group, the Abu Dhabi based leading facilitator of global trade, logistics and industry, has... Read more


Van AalstSailors SocietyCoaltrans Asia 2023Port of South LouisianaPort of StocktonTBA Group
  • Port of Stockton
  • Sailors Society
  • Van Aalst
  • TBA Group
  • TMS Awards 2023

Subscribe to our newsletter

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