From now on, six autonomous drones will perform daily flights in the Antwerp port area. ? Port of Antwerp-Bruges and partners DroneMatrix , Skeydrone and Proximus officially launched this 'D-Hive drone-in-a-box' network today. The network, a world first, makes an important contribution to general safety in the complex port environment.
Six extra pairs
of eyesThe Antwerp port area covers more than 120 km². The D-Hive network of six automated drones covers this entire area and now provides a flexible extra pair of eyes (x6) to help coordinate smooth, safe and sustainable operations in this complex environment. After all, drones provide a unique perspective from the air and enable the port authority to manage, inspect and control a large area quickly and safely. The port will use the drones for, among other things, berth management, monitoring, inspections of infrastructure, oil slick and floating debris detection and for supporting safety partners in the event of incidents. The 18 daily and automatic BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) drone flights are controlled remotely from a Command & World first
? It is the first worldwide implementation on this scale in a complex industrial environment of BVLOS flights. Unlike VLOS (Visual Line Of Sight) flights, these happen out of sight of the pilot. Port of Antwerp-Bruges works for the D-Hive network together with partners DroneMatrix, Skeydrone and Proximus. Two months ago, the partners received the green light to launch the drone network. This operating license was built around a new BVLOS framework (known as pre-Uspace airspace) built by Skeydrone and approved by BCAA (Belgian Civil Aviation Authority) and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) as a legitimate and safe framework for BVLOS drone flights.
Live feed of port activities
Port of Antwerp-Bruges already envisioned a network of autonomous drones in 2019 because these drones would play an increasingly important role in the port of the future. In recent years, various tests have been carried out and participation has been made in the SAFIR project to investigate the feasibility of drones in the port. As a result, the ambition of a network of autonomous drones is now a reality.
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges : “Drones are a lever in carrying out our core tasks as a port authority, given the enormous surface area of ??the port area. This drone network plays a crucial role in the further roll-out of the port's digital twin, a digital copy that, based on thousands of data from a network of cameras, sensors and drones, provides a real-time picture every second of what is happening in the port. is playing. With this first, we are an important step further in developing a fully digital nervous system that will help us manage our port more efficiently and traffic is even safer and smoother.”
Annick De Ridder, port alderman of the City of Antwerp and chairman of the board of directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges : "Our port is the economic engine of Flanders. Of course we want that engine to run as safely, cleanly and smoothly as possible. Thanks to this drone network, we keep a finger on the pulse of what is happening in the port and, together with our innovative partners, we continue to work on a safe, efficient and smart port.”
Lander Vanwelkenhuyzen CEO DroneMatrix: “We are proud that clients such as the Port of Antwerp-Bruges select DroneMatrix as drone technology expert and end-to-end partner for the implementation of this large-scale drone network within the port of Antwerp. This proves that DroneMatrix has built up top expertise over the years with a strong strategic vision around completely in-house developed hardware and software products and services. Furthermore, DroneMatrix can count on a strong ecosystem of Belgian partners to deliver this drone-as-a-service (DAAS) application in the most complex and demanding infrastructures. DroneMatrix acts as a Belgian champion with a central position and establishes connections in the diverse ecosystem of drone-related companies.
Hendrik-Jan Van Der Gucht, Managing Director SkeyDrone: "A seaport is perhaps one of the most difficult areas to fly with such drones. Especially if you fly outside the visual line of sight (BVLOS). SkeyDrone therefore developed the "BVLOS framework" that ensures ensured that these D-Hive drones can be deployed in a safe and scalable way for their daily missions. This framework now serves as a template for the future U-space airspace, for which the Port of Antwerp Bruges will once again lead the way."
Anne-Sophie Lotgering, Enterprise Market Lead Proximus : “We are particularly proud to be able to contribute to the overall safety and operational efficiency of one of Belgium's main economic growth engines. This new network of autonomous drones will help the port authority in its daily operations, for example by facilitating the detection of oil spills or floating debris and by providing support in coordinating actions in the event of calamities and incidents. In a broader sense, it will also benefit the many companies that are active in and around the Antwerp port area. This project demonstrates the potential of our state-of-the-art 5G network, combined with a wide range of software services, to drive innovation in our country.”