Port of Rotterdam moves forward with its U-Space Airspace drone program

Project leader

Port of Rotterdam is responsible for the project.

Description of the project

The Harbour Master Division of Port of Rotterdam has obtained authorization to test a fast long distance drone, which will take off 40 kilometres from Pistoolhaven, to carry out inspection and monitoring operations. This is the first time the port has received authorization for such a project, as it will allow a real-time connection between the drone’s live images and the Harbour Master’s Division’s assessment.

This project will help to take a step forward in the process of drone implementation and implementation of a multidisciplinary drone network throughout the port. It’s part of Port of Rotterdam Authority’ strategy to increase port efficiency and improve trade flows based on its sustainability, digitalization and innovation pillars.

Port of Rotterdam has chosen to create the innovation program “Drone Port of Rotterdam”, as it is foreseen that drones will play a key role for the efficient control of logistics chains and smart mobility. This program is focused on the regulation and control of traffic in the so-called “low-level airspace”, to ensure that the increased use of drones over the Rotterdam port area is properly coordinated.

The program includes the development of the U-Space Airspace prototype, which started in October 2022 and is scheduled for completion in October 2024. This prototype will provide the Port of Rotterdam Authority with the opportunity to evaluate what is needed to organize safe airspace. The prototype is intended to investigate how to organize and control low-altitude airspace in a way that ensures safety and improved process efficiency.

It will also help to decide what role the Port of Rotterdam should have in low-level airspace, whether it should be managed by the port authority itself as a regular port operation, or by another body, in order to ensure safe airspace.

The U-Space Airspace prototype is putting the Port of Rotterdam Authority at the forefront by setting an example for deployment in other areas of the Netherlands.

Drones are fast, clean, relatively inexpensive, safe and require little maintenance. They improve safety, efficiency and are also sustainable forms of mobility. In the hybrid ports of the future, in addition to ships, trains and trucks, drones will also be used to transport goods and passengers. The possible applications of drones in ports are manifold: inspection, security, crime-fighting, intruder detection, ship supplies, passenger transport (flying cabs), accident prevention, etc.

For this reason, the Port of Rotterdam has taken on the role of investigating the growth in the volume of aerial drone traffic and intends to become a benchmark and stimulate initiatives linked to this type of device.

Objectives of the project

The main objective is the use of remotely piloted drones in the Port of Rotterdam, together with the creation of a multidisciplinary network, and the real-time control of the situation of the port area, which will allow to carry out inspection, supervision and surveillance operations, will help to prevent accidents (such as fires or water pollution), and will also make the port more efficient, safe, sustainable and intelligent.

Furthermore, the aim of the Drone Port of Rotterdam innovation program is to turn the Port of Rotterdam into a hybrid port with drone services, where the use of these tools can be counted on at any point in the logistics chain and take advantage of all the opportunities to offer drone services to all sectors of the port business community, providing infinite applications in the maritime sector.