Vertiport and drone infrastructure developer Skyports is to run trials of ship-to-shore cargo drone operations at Jurong Port in Singapore.
The trials are part of an agreement between Skyports and Jurong Port to explore the development of ship-to-shore infrastructure and large-scale drone delivery operations in Singapore.
Over the next year, Skyports and Jurong Port will commence joint studies to determine the feasibility and development of plans for cargo drone delivery operations and related infrastructure at Jurong Port.
The trials will be carried out simultaneously while operations are ongoing at the Port. At the same time, Skyports will lead in the engagements with relevant public sector organisations, regulators, and private entities to further the development of critical regulatory frameworks for the deployment of large-scale cargo drone delivery services.
Yun-Yuan Tay, head of Asia Pacific, Skyports said, “Tremendous progress has been made in the arena of maritime drone delivery services over the past year, and infrastructure development is the next critical step to truly realising the vast opportunities afforded by large-scale drone delivery services.
Mr Walter Lin, assistant vice president of business units: breakbulk and lighters at Jurong Port said, “Drone delivery technology has demonstrated its ability to enhance the maritime industry’s processes and the development of its supporting infrastructure will be crucial in transforming the future of maritime logistics and shipping.
“As one of the world’s busiest anchorages, Jurong Port is constantly looking out for solutions that will benefit the shipping and maritime industry. We believe that drone delivery technology will play an integral role in the evolution of our next-generation port and is thrilled to partner Skyports in a feasibility study for commercial drone deliveries.”
Mr Ng Yi Han, director of innovation, technology and talent development at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said, “Drone delivery will bring about faster delivery times and reduced emissions, and we look forward to supporting our partners as the maritime industry continues to leverage technology innovation to strengthen its efficiency and resilience.”
