Wilhelmsen to lift off with drones

The UAS project will begin with a two-week pilot trial taking place in one of the world’s busiest ports, Singapore, in Q3. Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) will work with Airbus’ Skyways to deliver spare parts, documents, water test kits and 3D printed consumables to vessels at anchorage from Singapore port’s Marina South Pier.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be working with a forward thinking, industry leader like Airbus,” said Marius Johansen, vp commercial, Ships Agency at WSS. “As an outward looking company, eager to utilise technology to help improve our customers’ experiences, drone delivery is a perfect fit for our agency business,” he added.

Seatrade Maritime News is reporting Live From Posidonia 2018

WSS believes that the quicker response rate and turnaround time of UAS compared to launch boat deliveries means it has the potential to lower shore-to-ship delivery costs by up to 90%, as well as remove human safety risks.

 “This collaboration with Wilhelmsen, the first of its kind in the region, gives us a unique test bed where we can trial, refine and shape the future of shore-to-ship drone technologies,” commented Leo Jeoh, who leads up Airbus’ Skyways.