15 March, 2019: Airbus has started the shore-to-ship trials of its Skyways parcel delivery drone in Singapore. The delivery was made to Swire Pacific Offshore’s Anchor Handling Tug Supply vessel ‘M/V Pacific Centurion’ which was 1.5km from the shoreline of Singapore’s Marina South Pier. The drone that had carried 1.5kg of 3D printed consumables landed safely on the deck, deposited its cargo to the shipmaster and returned to its base within 10 minutes.
Skyways will soon begin with another trial phase delivering air parcels autonomously in an urban environment, at the National University of Singapore.
Leo Jeoh, Airbus’ Skyways lead said, “We are thrilled to launch the first trial of its kind in the maritime world. Today’s accomplishment is a culmination of months of intense preparation by our dedicated team, and the strong collaboration with our partner, as we pursue a new terrain in the maritime industry.”
“We are also happy to be taking a step forward for Airbus’ urban air mobility endeavour, as we continue to explore and seek a better understanding of what it takes to fly safe and reliable autonomous flying vehicles safely,” added Leo.
The trials are being carried out in conjunction with Airbus’ partner Wilhelmsen Ships Services as both the companies had signed an agreement in June 2018 to develop an end-to-end unmanned aircraft system for safe shore-to-ship deliveries. During the trials, the Skyways drone will take off from the pier with a payload capability of up to 4kg and navigate its way to the vessel in a pre-determined ‘aerial corridor’ as far as 3km from the coast. The maritime agency also designated anchorages for vessels to anchor off the pier for the trials, while the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore worked with Airbus and Wilhelmsen to ensure that the trials were conducted safely.
The use of unmanned aircraft systems in the maritime industry will speed up deliveries by up to six times, lowering delivery costs by up to 90 per cent, reducing carbon footprint, and significantly reducing risks of accidents associated with launch-boat deliveries.
“The now proven, seamless operation of drone deliveries from shore to ship, in one of the world’s busiest ports proves the hard work, investment and faith we, and indeed our partners, placed in the Agency by Air project over the past two years was not misplaced,” said Marius Johansen, Vice President Commercial, Ships Agency at Wilhelmsen Ships Services.
“Delivery of essential spares, medical supplies and cash to master via launch boat, is an established part of our portfolio of husbandry services, which we provide day in and day out, in ports all over the world. Modern technology such as the unmanned aircraft systems, are just a new tool, albeit a very cool one, with which we can push our industry ever forward and improve how we serve our customers,” continued Marius.