The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Tuesday (20 April) officially launched Singapore’s first Maritime Drone Estate (MDE) today, in conjunction with the 15th Singapore Maritime Week.
Located near Marina South Pier with close proximity to the anchorages, the MDE provides a conducive space to test bed and develop drone technologies for maritime applications such as shore-to-ship deliveries and remote ship inspections.
At the launch event this afternoon, Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Transport, loaded a 3D-printed part into a drone carriage and witnessed the drone deliver its package from the MDE to a vessel at the nearby anchorage.
“Technology has played a pivotal role in helping the maritime sector remain resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic. The launch of the Maritime Drone Estate marks an important milestone in advancing Singapore’s journey towards the use of emerging technologies in the maritime sector,” said Senior Minister Chee.
“As we embark on this exciting future, we look forward to supporting our industry partners and growing more start-ups to build a thriving maritime innovation ecosystem.”
As part of the launch event, 11 industry players showcased their cutting-edge drone technologies, engineering systems, additive manufacturing, and communication services that can provide innovative drone solutions for the maritime sector.
The companies present at the event were Airbus, Avetics Global, F-drones, Garuda Robotics, M1, Nova Systems Asia, Skyports, ST Engineering, ThyssenKrupp, Wilhelmsen Ships Service, and Volocopter.
Drone technologies have the potential to transform traditional maritime operations such as shore-ship deliveries and remote inspections of ships and container cranes. Innovative applications of drone technologies can bring benefits such as increased productivity, reduced need for manpower and lower costs.-
The MDE supports the development of drone applications in the maritime context, through the provision of a sandbox for the test-bedding of technologies and operations.
This sandbox is part of the Sea Transport Industry Transformation Map to invest in new port capabilities through harnessing emerging technologies, to build a thriving maritime innovation ecosystem and strengthen Singapore’s position as an international maritime centre.
Nine companies have conducted trials at the drone estate. These included shore-to-ship use-cases by companies such as Wilhelmsen and Airbus, Foodpanda and ST Engineering, and F-drones.
CWT Aerospace conducted trials using drones for surveillance while Avetics Global trialled beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drones for surveillance and remote ship inspection.
In other innovative applications, Airbus and M1 with the support of Infocomm Media Development Authority, are conducting 5G network and technology trials to enable safe and robust maritime drone operations, while Nova Systems Asia tested the use of an unmanned aircraft traffic management system to enable large-scale drone operations.
Companies interested in conducting trials at the MDE can contact MPA.
Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 21 April, 2021
Design for next-generation 62,000 dwt Ultramax Bulk Carrier is able to meet IMO 2030 emission targets.
Drone earlier performed its first sulphur mission to check on vessel emissions on Thursday (11 April), it says.
‘I think we can safely say that the marine battery revolution started with Viking Lady,’ says DNV GL.
Mandates Inatech to implement its Shiptech platform for optimising part of the fuel procurement process.
Development would release funds to build new ships with very low or no CO2 emissions, finds analysis commissioned by Danish Shipping, prepared by CE Delft.
BunkerPlanner designed to support ship operators in making optimal bunker purchasing decisions by helping to choose ports, volume and fuel grade for bunkering.
Significant uptick in the number of quality claims being alleged by ship owners has also been seen since the implementation of contactless bunkering operations, notes Partner at Rajah & Tann.
‘The launch of our company website signifies the readiness of Singfar to engage with relevant stakeholders to achieve our mission of enabling sustainable trade,’ Managing Director tells Manifold Times.
Associate Director at Helmsman highlights the need to stay up-to-date with latest protocols / measures introduced by MPA, with continuous education of Master and crew of the visiting vessel.
BunkerPlanner Lite is an attempt to educate professionals engaged in bunker decisions about the use of advanced technology in the decision process, explains BunkerMetric CEO Christian Plum.
Senior Associate at Clyde & Co offers guidance to protect shipowners and bunker tanker operators in the event opposing counterparty breaches Covid-19 protocols, resulting in Covid-19 transmission.
Having a surveyor’s watchful eye to detect illegal activities also sends a strong signal to barge and vessel crew not to undertake any intended non-compliance, states VPS Senior Sales Manager.
