The Harbour Master Division of the Port of Rotterdam Authority has been experimenting with a fast long-distance drone, which may help with a variety of activities, including inspections and supervision.
The Dutch port has now gained authorisation for the first time to test the drone, which is managed from the Command & Control Centre in the Harbour Coordination Centre of the Harbour Master Division. The actual drone will take off at Pistoolhaven, 40 kilometres distant.
The Port of Rotterdam Authority intends to construct a port-wide multidisciplinary drone network operated from a central hub, which would need the employment of remote-controlled drones.
This enables real-time communication between the drone’s live images and the Harbour Master Division’s evaluation. The Joint Fire Department will also use the drone network to prevent incidents.
Additionally, the use of drones corresponds with the Port of Rotterdam Authority’s strategic goal of making the port more efficient, safer, and sustainable. The Drone Port of Rotterdam innovation initiative is transforming the port into an ‘experimental zone in the appropriate environment’ for drone service providers.
