DroneMatrix launches “Drone as a Service” model for port authorities

DroneMatrix launches a new “Drone as a Service” model, offering port authorities a more flexible and cost-effective end-to-end UAS-based surveillance, inspection and security solution.

The new service model aims to transform port operations, allowing port authorities to gain detailed oversight of their facilities by accessing UAS-based services, without needing to acquire, install, operate and maintain drones and their associated infrastructure.

Under the model, DroneMatrix provides and installs all equipment and supporting infrastructure, and arranges all authorisation, regulatory and certification requirements.

Flights are operated by certified DroneMatrix pilots on behalf of port management. At the same time, customers retain access to the flight, communicating with the pilot and controlling drone payloads, including onboard optical cameras and thermal imagers, supporting operations such as security, berth management, incident response, environmental monitoring and inspections.

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The service model has been proven with launch customer, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, which has been utilising DroneMatrix’s drone services since 2023.

The service model has given the port an eye-in-the-sky capability, providing surveillance at higher altitudes than is possible with fixed cameras, and giving authorities an agile asset to oversee day-to-day operations, as well as emerging use cases ranging from the AI-supported detection of oil spills to enabling automatic berth management.

Bob Spanoghe, Project Lead for Drones at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, said: “DroneMatrix’s Drone-Enabled Port Solutions has been a game-changer for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Their drone technology provides us with real-time insights and flexibility, allowing us to improve safety, monitor compliance, and respond quickly to incidents. Their service model also simplifies the process, as DroneMatrix handles the technical and regulatory complexities, making it a seamless solution for our needs.”

“Many ports have responsibility for vast land, coastline and maritime areas which are vulnerable to threats such as terrorism, smuggling, illegal immigration,” Jacques Nel, General Manager and Head of Operations, DroneMatrix, said. “Our new service model gives authorities the ability to gain clear oversight of their facilities, allowing them to monitor all activities and easily remotely inspect emerging issues quickly without draining staffing resources.

“We are pleased to unlock the power of drone-based operations for port authorities and the critical facilities they manage worldwide.”

• Click the link to learn more about Drone-Enabled Port Solutions, or read our white paper here