Unmanned Traffic Management– Empowering Drones in Ports

Published June 2021

Table of contents
1 Executive Summary

2

2 Introduction: the Age of Drones5

3 Benefits of Drones in the Port Area

8

4 UTM Enables Safe & Efficient Drone Operations in Ports

12

5 Case Study: Port of Antwerp

21

6 Conclusion

26

7 Meet Unifly

27

8 References

28

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2

Executive Summary

1. Executive Summary
Our airspaces have witnessed a substantial increase in drones1– flown recreationally and commercially.
This surge is due to new regulations and emerging technologies becoming readily available on the market.
As such, industry experts have begun to identify new areas where drones can benefit both business andcommunity. And the port is one such area of interest.
Drones are increasingly utilised for specific tasks involving monitoring, inspection, and emergency
response. However, their full potential is not yet realised.
Drone deployment in a port environment can support and improve these priorities:•

Optimise round-the-clock safety and security capabilities through dynamic drone surveillance•

Establish real-time situational awareness on the ground and in the air, also for relevant authorities
and business partners•

Minimise workplace accidents and inaccuracies in high-risk operations•

Enhance logistics capability like ship-to-shore deliveries•

Reduce carbon footprint by operating as an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly site

As an integral part of a broader trend in Smart Ports, drones meet port objectives of digitisation andoperations efficiency. As such, they present an opportunity to increase the value proposition andattractiveness of the port to its tenants and partners.
To facilitate safe drone operations in the port and leverage these benefits, Port Authorities have theresponsibility to manage drone access to the port, coordinate drone traffic while protecting the port
against unauthorised drones, and support the provision of drone services by connecting different
stakeholders involved. Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) technology enables Port Authorities to fulfil
this complex mission.
An Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system consists of a software platform supplying a suite ofservices to drone operators and authorities. The services are highly automated and designed to ensure
the following: facilitate safe access to the airspace, enable seamless information exchange between all
involved, and coordinate drone traffic, all while maintaining the highest level of airspace safety. UTM
technology facilitates management of the third dimention in the Port’s ecosystem – on the ground and in
the air.
Not only is it crucial to a seamless and scalable integration of drones into the port ecosystem, UTM
technology is designed to:•

keep use of airspace safe for both manned and unmanned aircraft•

enhance port operations without creating manpower friction•

create new market and value network for both port and its business partners

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3

Executive Summary

Currently, Unifly's large-scale, robust, and sophisticated UTM system is used by national airspaceauthorities worldwide. It streamlines data exchange and workflow interaction so the relevant authority
and any participating operator can use this system to monitor their airspace as well as plan and manage
drone operations. The intuitive map-based view provides complete situational awareness about plannedand ongoing drone activity in the port.
An industry first, Unifly’s platform offers the scalability and capability needed to simultaneously
accommodate multiple workflows and multi-layered authorisation processes needed to offer real-time
surveillance and detection capabilities in the vast area of responsibility within any busy port.
The case study of Port of Antwerp illustrates what ports can do to embed drones into their operations. In
2019, Unifly collaborated with Port of Antwerp in SAFIR, a European research initiative, to further explore
how drones can benefit the port and its wider network. Since then, Unifly has also been involved in alarge-scale and phased commercial rollout of drones in the port area. This led to a precedent being set
with Port of Antwerp managing its own airspace and also, kickstarted this paper on how port communities
can level up by embracing drones and their benefits.

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“The adoption of concepts like Internet ofThings, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence,
Cloud Computing, Robotics andAutomation, is transforming the industry and society and...adopted in strategic
sectors such as automotive, heavy
industries, energy, health, etc. However,the port industry is not taking advantageof the benefits and impacts derived fromthe digital transformation...”–Fundación Valenciaport2

5

Introduction: The Age Of Drones

2. Introduction: The Age of Drones•

New technology bolsters development of drones•

Drones are here to stay as they are increasingly adopted across many industries•

Drones already benefit critical infrastructure like ports, but full potential yet to be tappedThanks to rapid technology advances and affordable prices, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drones
have been widely adopted over the last decade. Drones are not only flown for recreational purpose
but have also been embraced by many industries for commercial purpose, to optimise safety as well as
performance and productivity gains3.
As a result, there are currently far more drones registered in the world than manned aircraft4. This
exponential growth will only continue as new regulatory frameworks and technological advancementsallow for increasingly complex drone operations.
For port authorities and communities, drones offer tremendous opportunities to streamline core activities
with possible gains in costs5 and productivity, while increasing overall health and safety standards.
•

Port of Antwerp concluded through the EU Horizon 2020 SAFIR project6 that drones’ ability to perform
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights offer “...an immense addition to safety as they were able tomanage, inspect and control a large area in a swift and safe manner7.”•

In 2020, Hamburg Port Authority rolled out a drone program for infrastructure inspection andfacilities monitoring8.

•

In the United States, the Police Department for Port of Los Angeles included drones in their security,
emergency response, and search-and-rescue operations9.

•

In Chile, APM Terminals began using drones for operational efficiency, as well as monitor traffic flows
and container stack efficiency10.

•

Port of Rotterdam began studying the use of autonomous trucks in the port and has been planning alarge-scale deployment of the technology at the tail end of 202111.

•

Around the same time, the Maritime and Port Authority in Singapore deployed drones for surveillance,
detection, incident response and management, and has been exploring shore-to-ship delivery
applications12.

Undoubtedly, drones will play an increasingly important role in port operations, provided they are flown
safely and securely. The next sections expand on the benefits of drones with respects to ports, roles
that Port Authorities can assume to properly utilise drone solutions in day-to-day operations, as well as
how Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) – a software platform supplying a suite of services to connect
drone operators and authorities – enables safe and secure use of drones while keeping the ecosystem of
stakeholders and systems seamlessly integrated.

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6

Introduction: The Age Of Drones

At the Crossroads of New Technology
The case for connectivity and drones extends beyond Internet of Things; it involves the timely
convergence of emerging technologies like 5G, artificial intelligence like deep learning, computer vision,
blockchain13, cloud computing14; all of which bolster drone use.
Port operators already recognise technology, especially with respects to digitisation and automation, as amust-have to stay competitive. In a McKinsey survey15 on container terminal automation involving 40 key
executives of ports worldwide, the general consensus is that automated ports are safer than conventional
ones. Technology facilitates reduction of human-related interruptions, human error and therefore,
minimising workplace accidents. Technology is not only designed to keep people and port safe, it is also
intended to keep data secure as well.

Taking it to the next level – Port 4.0
Approximately 2,000 shipping ports16 around the world are witnessing increased growth and traffic in
recent times, and the allure of automation is undeniable. Steps by operators to achieve Port 4.0 statushave already begun in varying degrees with ports supporting container ships being ahead of the pack17.
In a statement released by the 2019 iTerminals4.0 project by Fundación Valenciaport and funded by
the European Commission CEF (Connecting Europe Facility) programme, such emerging technology candramatically create “… a wide range of transversal benefits – such as an increase in operational efficiency
and enhanced levels of cyber security… through the digital evolution of ports18.” The drone industry canbenefit from this and indicates that drones can play a bigger role in ports.

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“We presently spend a huge sum
cleaning these up, but with drones’ability to spot spillages early, we hopeto halve this expenditure.”– Port of Antwerp19

8

Benefits of Drones in the Port Area

3. Benefits of Drones in the Port Area•

Complementary role of reducing disruption while optimising operations•

Eye in the sky: securing full situational awareness•

Autonomous-based support for work that we can’t and won’t doDrones are already utilised in ports for visual surveys and maintenance work; especially tasks that involve
high risk or danger to personnel. Put simply, it is cost-efficient and safer when workers can supervise
and make necessary decisions while they leave it to the drones to fly up tall structures or out to sea inbad weather. The ability to fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) is an important capability that is being
explored in the ports of Antwerp and Singapore, while ports of Denmark, Hong Kong, the Netherlands
and Norway have already been testing BVLOS operations that travel as far as 16 km out to sea for security
measures like spotting offenders and criminal activity20. Today, industry players acknowledge that drones
can be applied beyond current uses.
Presently, drones assist ports in areas of environment, safety, security and infrastructure.

Environment•

Coastline monitoring•

Spillage and leakage of oil and hazardous materials•

Contamination detection•

Debris monitoring and management•

Compliance monitoring of emissions from ships•

Exhaust and hazardous detection, particulate matter detection

Safety•Rapid emergency response•

Search and rescue including lifesaving devices•

Delivery of medical supplies and inventory such as testing kits•

Incident response and emergency management21

Security•

Perimeter security and trespass response: drones act as a digital fence around the port to control
access relating to International Ship and Port Security (ISPS)•Port area surveillance against unlawful activities such as theft, smuggling, drug and humantrafficking

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Benefits of Drones in the Port Area

Infrastructure•

Ship docking management22•

Infrastructure and asset management, routine and preventive maintenance•Transportation route supervision•

Inventory volume calculation for outdoor bulk storage•

Cargo and container inspection•

Analysis of building and roof condition, technical structures and terminal infrastructure23

Diagram 1: Use Cases of Drones in a Port

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10

Benefits of Drones in the Port Area

Sustainability is a priority for ports
In 2015, the United Nations laid out 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for all member states toachieve. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development24 is a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity
for both nations and nature. Substantive support and capacity-building are provided to these SDGs.
“Ports and their stakeholders should define which of the 17 UN SDG’s are in scope for them. Affordable
and clean energy (7), sustainable cities and communities (11), life below water (14) are amongst those thatare considered most relevant25.”
According to the International Energy Agency report in 2017, the total world energy consumption will rise
28% by 2040. Ports as the main gateways between countries, contribute notably to the high demand ofenergy. Ports not only want to meet the international and local directives but also address environmental
concerns.

Ultimately, the deployment of drones in a port environment can support next-stagepriorities to increase performance and improve market position:•

Optimise security and safety capabilities through dynamic drone surveillance•

Establish real-time situational awareness on the ground and in the air, also for relevant authorities
and business partners•

Minimise workplace accidents and inaccuracies in high-risk operations•

Enhance logistics capability like ship to shore deliveries•

Reduce carbon footprint by operating as an energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly site26

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“We regard drones and unmanned
air mobility as the fifth area oftransport modality at the port”–Port of Rotterdam27

12

UTM Enables Safe & Efficient Drone Operations in Ports

4. UTM Enables Safe & Efficient Drone
Operations in Ports•

Five roles the Port undertakes to faciliate drone operations•

A well-designed UTM technology is needed to assist these roles

To guarantee port safety and security, Port Authorities need to coordinate all activities within the port areaand ensure they adhere to strict policies. Five key roles have been identified that Port Authorities can taketo fulfil this mission while unlocking the benefits of drones for the port and its community.
A state-of-the-art Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system is a unifying solution that enables thePort Authority to assume these roles and connect all stakeholders and systems within the port ecosystem.

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13

UTM Enables Safe & Efficient Drone Operations in Ports

1. Manage Drone Access to and within the PortThis role is fundamental to keep drone operations safe in the port area, irrespective of who is flying: thePort Authority, port tenants, contractors, and even recreational users.
Two key activities fall under this role either as the sole responsibility of the Port Authority, or shared withother departments such as the Port Security or the Port Police:•

Define conditions to fly in the port:
Compliance is maximised when relevant rules and conditions are clearly defined andcommunicated to the community. Conditions to access port airspace include providing thedetailed flight plan, proof of pilot certificate and drone registration, being equipped with a tracking
device and so on. In exceptional situations, the Port Authority might also want to temporarily keep
drones out of certain areas.
Examples include emergency response cases, construction work involving cranes, or securing port
area for a VIP or official visit.

•

Adopt an efficient permission process:Drone pilots have to submit a flight request with information about route, duration, drone details
to the authorities before a flight. Hence, reviewing, approving or rejecting permission requests
must be designed with timely efficiency in mind for everyone involved. Legacy formats like emails,
simple web or paper forms, and spreadsheets are time-consuming with multiple steps; they do
not even offer the scalability and traceability required, especially when there is a change of plans
or in an emergency.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended that a highly automated, traceable, and transparent
process be applied.

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UTM Enables Safe & Efficient Drone Operations in Ports

How Unifly UTM enables the Port Authority to fulfil this role
The Unifly UTM system fully digitises and streamlines the process – not only for drone operators torequest for access but also for Port Authorities to review and approve requests.
Drone pilots and operators can register directly in the UTM system, visualise where flights are allowed or
prohibited in the port, and submit their flight plans. The UTM system then automatically validates the flightplan against all applicable rules and conditions defined by the Port Authority and government and notifies
the relevant departments when their approval is required.
When needed, the Port Authority can also quickly and easily create and publish temporary no-drone
zones. These new flight restrictions are immediately visible to drone operators and automatically taken
into account when the system validates a flight plan.
The UTM system provides both traceability and transparency: the Port Authority can easily track andmanage all pending permission requests, while drone operators can check, at any time, the status of theirpermission requests. All information is recorded in the UTM system and can be immediately retrieved
whenever needed.

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UTM Enables Safe & Efficient Drone Operations in Ports

2. Monitor Drone Activity in Real-timeOnce a drone operator is allowed to fly within the port, it is critical to monitor that the actual flight goesaccording to approved flight plan. In this way, the Port Authority (or the Port Security or the Port Police)
should have access to the proper systems that provide full awareness about drone flights taking place andsend alerts in case of an emergency situation.
Once again, automation is important. Monitoring drone activity should not require a supervisor to sit forhours behind the system. Instead, the system should immediately notify the Port Authority’s personnel
who can access the system, assess the situation, and react accordingly.

How Unifly UTM enables the Port Authority to fulfil this role
Through an intuitive map-based view, the Unifly UTM system provides the Port Authority complete
situational awareness about planned and ongoing drone activity in the port. The Unifly BLIP (for Broadcast
Location and Identification Platform) is a lightweight device that can be mounted on drones and combines
electronic remote identification and real-time tracking. The Unifly BLIP device communicates directly with
the UTM system. If the UTM system detects an emergency situation or a threat to safety, it automaticallynotifies relevant departments.
The functionalities offered by the UTM system include real-time monitoring and tracking, conformancemonitoring (a drone is about to leave its approved area of operation), and separation monitoring (twodrones or a drone and another aircraft are flying too close to each other). By selecting any operation ordrone tracked in the system, the Port Authority can access all the relevant information.

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UTM Enables Safe & Efficient Drone Operations in Ports

Diagram 2: Scaling Up UTM on a Need-BasisSuperior UTM technology is modular and agile enough to grow with customer needs. Depending on
where each port stands in terms of budget, automation and digitisation needs, a UTM system like Unifly isscalable and modular to adopt. It is able to manage complex approval workflows that involve various tiers– from authorities right down to tenants and companies in the port vicinity.

• Unmanned Operations Management• Crew & Fleet Management• Streamlined Flight Authorization Process• Multi-party Approval Workflows• No-Drone Zone Management• Remote/Network Identification• Integration with
Drone Detection Systems• Friend-or-Foe Distinction• Intrusion Alerts

ManageAirspace AccessProtect
the Airspace• Document Management

Perform
Operator
Services

MonitorAirspace• Flight Planning and Validation• Visualize Airspace Restrictions• Flight Logs

• Integration with :-Real-time Tracking-Remote/Network Identification• Conformance Monitoring• Separation Monitoring• Emergency Alerts

UTM Services on a step-based approach

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UTM Enables Safe & Efficient Drone Operations in Ports

3. Protect the Port Against Unauthorised Drones
While the above two roles enable and monitor authorised drone activity, this role focuses on detecting
unauthorised drones to maintain the highest level of security in and above the port area. Unauthorised
drones can be divided in two categories:•

Clueless and careless: drone pilots falling under this category either are simply unaware ofexisting restrictions and requirements to fly in the port (clueless) or are aware of them but
decide to bypass the permission process and fly anyway (careless). Their drone is considered an‘intruder’.

•Criminal: drone pilots falling under this category are those who fly with the intent to disrupt port
operations, or cause real damage to port infrastructure and harm to personnel on the ground.
This drone is considered ‘rogue’.

Whether ill-intentioned or otherwise, these drones pose a real safety threat to other airspace users, theport infrastructure, as well as personnel on the ground.
Sensors and radar systems can detect and locate small drones within a certain range. These systems
can be deployed to cover either the entire port or within sensitive areas. In case of a drone incursion,
processes should be in place to alert the Port Security and/or Port Police immediately.

How Unifly UTM enables the Port Authority to fulfil this role
The UTM system integrates with sensors and radar systems deployed in the port area to offer complete
airspace awareness against the clueless, the careless, and criminal drone pilots.
Data received from these sensors is displayed on the map-based view in real-time, and automaticallyprocessed by other UTM features such as conformance and separation monitoring. The UTM system isable to distinguish authorised and complying drones from intruders and rogue drones, and immediately
alerts responsible departments of the security threat.

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18

UTM Enables Safe & Efficient Drone Operations in Ports

4. Provide and Support Drone Services
Port tenants and contractors are not the only ones operating drones here. As seen from the broad range
of use cases and benefits presented in Chapter 3, many Port Authorities have or are building their own
drone program.
Establishing a drone program entails knowledge building, obtaining drone pilot certificates, and acquiring
a fleet of drones equipped with the necessary payloads.
Whether its intended for a Port Authority, tenants or external contractors – drone operators should be
able to plan, monitor, and log their own flights. By offering these services to organisations operating
drones in the port, the Port increases its value proposition to all stakeholders.
Port Authorities can provide and support drone services in two ways:•

Provide Drone as a Service (DaaS): Port Authorities with their own drone program can leverage
their resources to conduct operations for their tenants and contractors. In doing so, the port
amortises the cost of its drone program while partners benefit from a readily available service•

Maintain a pool of authorised drone operators: even without its own drone program, theport can greatly facilitate access to drone technology by maintaining a pool of pre-approved drone
operators who are authorised to fly in the port, which port tenants can contract when needed

How Unifly UTM enables the Port Authority to fulfil this role
On top of the planning and monitoring capabilities presented above, a well-designed UTM system equips
the Port Authority and any participating operator with capabilities to manage their fleet, crew, andoperations.
For Port Authorities, the UTM system offers the ability to review and manage a pool of registeredoperators. In addition, logbooks and detailed flight information provide valuable insights to i) assess where
and how drones are used in port operations, ii) identify untapped potential for drone solutions, and iii)
inform decision-making and planning.

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UTM Enables Safe & Efficient Drone Operations in Ports

5. Connect the Port Ecosystem
The information available in the UTM system can benefit other port departments and stakeholders.
Therefore, it should not operate in isolation. Beyond providing access to the system and automatic alerts
in emergencies, a UTM system must be interoperable and offer the ability to integrate with the othersystems used by the port.
UTM can also act as a connecting factor or system bridge between port authorities and external
authorities – with increased responsiveness and verified phone numbers in order to quickly contact drone
pilots under urgent or unforeseeable circumstances. For example, relevant incident information can beexchanged with the port’s security dispatch system, or with local law enforcement and the Civil Aviation
Authority in case of non-compliance with regulations. Likewise, the UTM system can receive additional
data from deployed sensors or from the port’s Geographic Information System (GIS).

How UTM enables the Port Authority to fulfil this role
A user-friendly UTM system much like Unifly’s, promotes interoperability with an Application Programming
Interface (API) for seamless interface and data exchange with other platforms.

Diagram 3: Unmanned Traffic Management in a Port

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“We all see the drone’s potential andthat the technology is quite feasible...
Drones could be a real boon for ports.“– Port of Antwerp28

21

Case Study: Port of Antwerp

5. Case Study: Port of Antwerp•

Charting the UTM implementation journey by Port of Antwerp•

Crucial to safe air traffic in the port: communication and situational awareness•Becoming a smart port: key takeaways

SAFIR ignites port interest in drones
In 2018-2019, Unifly steered a research project about U-space29 – the SAFIR initiative. SAFIR30 was
supported by SESAR Joint Undertaking, the entity responsible for coordinating all research on Air Traffic
Management in Europe.
This initiative was unique as it deployed and integrated multiple UTM systems to manage busy drone
traffic and a broad range of drones in the Port of Antwerp – a major seaport next to the busy city centreof Antwerp and within the controlled traffic region of Antwerp International Airport.
These drone operations included inspection flights such as container and terminal inspection, oil spilldetection, as well as other use cases such as parcel delivery, inter-hospital transport of medical supplies,
high-voltage line mapping and pylon inspection.
The project simulated several real-life scenarios such as chemical accidents to explore realistic
implications of drone traffic in a complex port ecosystem. This triggered the creation of no-drone zones
with cascading effects of flights needing to be rerouted or land. Also, analysis of exhaust plumes from
non-compliant vessels by drones were received within 20 seconds, and notifications sent to alert relevant
authorities.
All these systems are integrated into the UTM platform, ensuring full situational awareness for all systems
through combined use of trackers, such as uAvionix's ADS-B Transponder and Unifly’s BLIP, and a radarsystem capable of detecting intruding drones.
Insights gathered from SAFIR proved these benefits of U-space services and capabilities:•

Improved cost efficiency of flight preparation by reducing associated time and effort•

Improved flight efficiency, for instance, the integration of aeronautical data and flight preparationin one system reduces potential margins or deviation from the optimal trajectory of flight•

Increased capacity in drone airspace through enabling more simultaneous flights using measures
such as strategic deconfliction before and during flight time, visualisation of flights in real-time andobstacle avoidance

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22

Case Study: Port of Antwerp

First port to pioneer a large-scale UTM commercial rollout
Port of Antwerp has emerged in its industry as the first to initiate a large-scale commercial rollout of
unmanned air traffic management in a busy and complex port environment.
The port coordinates the mitigation and management of risk for all above-the-ground activity, withrespects to operational and working drones, overall safety and seamless integration of processes; all ofwhich are intended to ramp up productivity and efficiency of port operations.
Up till today, other ports have only deployed UTM on a smaller scale or project-basis, with much red tapedelaying one-off flight operations. In contrast, Port of Antwerp has implemented a UTM system where all
drone operations within the port’s area of responsibility can be efficiently31 and safely managed.
Recently, European regulation has confirmed a change from rule- to risk-based, hence shifting the
responsibility from the Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to local
authorities as they are keenly aware about the challenges faced. This shift in regulation empowers Port of
Antwerp to adopt a wider mandate – managing air risks over ground and water.
Unifly’s platform can simultaneously accommodate multiple workflows, multi-layered authorisation
processes and offer robust real-time surveillance and detection capabilities. Given the vast area of
responsibility within this busy port, it is the first time that a UTM system is designed to offer scalability andcapability.
The multi-layered authorisation flow is a first in the industry. After national aviation authority CAA gives
the green light, this feature empowers timely and seamless processing of flight permissions starting fromport authority, the masters of each terminal, right down to drone operators of companies and other port
users.

Prioritising green initiatives
Greening the port is a priority. The port aims to play a pioneering role in terms of sustainability, with
Antwerp becoming the most sustainable port in the Hamburg-Le Havre zone. The 17 Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations are used as a benchmark for sustainable
entrepreneurship, benefitting planet, people, prosperity, partnership and peace32.
The port aims to tackle these challenges proactively, and harness environmental care as a competitive
advantage. Specific goals involving drone solutions are those geared towards good health and wellbeing,
decent work and economic growth, sustainable cities and communities, climate action and industry,
innovation and infrastructure.

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23

Case Study: Port of Antwerp

Anatomy of a connected port
Ports have a unique air and water ecosystem, bustling with various traffic. Much like a city, the Port of
Antwerp is a sprawling metropolis with unique and intricate infrastructure bustling with activities andamenities. Besides the sheer scale of the port, added complexities include International Ship and Port
Security Code (ISPS) and Seveso-related companies, nuclear plants, logistics, transportation, high voltage
lines, industrial processes, onshore windmills and large railway yards, all of which pose challenges. A
management system such as UTM is part of the solution.

Diagram 4: UTM to Coordinate Multi-Party Processes
The approval process in any workflow is multi-layered, involves different stakeholders and authorities, andrequires a robust UTM to coordinate safely and efficiently for a high level of integration between parties,
devices and activities.

Unifly's UTM platform gathers data from all sources to support all stakeholders

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Case Study: Port of Antwerp

The future for Port of Antwerp
Any port playing the long game will want to fly and manage drones, and thus must invest in creating arobust framework around safety and security. In doing so, Port of Antwerp will have total operational andsituational view of its skies, hence creating positive impact for traffic within and around its expansive zone.
Data aggregated from drones adds value to systems and automation processes belonging to the Portof Antwerp – a higher standard of operation, quick response times and increased adaptability, and evenresilience to emergencies. As the future heralds a closely interconnected global economy, this agility tochange ensures the port is always poised to capture return on investments, and business confidence
when opportunity presents.
Erwin Verstraelen, Chief Digital & Innovation Officer at Port of Antwerp: “The ultimate goal we have inmind for our drone-platform is a network of remote piloted and automated drones flying BVLOS, available
round-the-clock. Onboard functionalities such as real time data capturing and computer vision will
enhance our situational awareness on what is taking place in the vast port area, thereby providing support
for our ‘regulator’ and ‘operator’ responsibilities.”

A new standard of operation powered by management solutions, optimisation
through advanced analytics and real-time schedulingIn the process of becoming a smart port, Port of Antwerp progresses into choreographing work andinformation flows to boost system efficiency and productivity. As the McKinsey report elaborates,“Forward-looking ports will push toward this next horizon, beyond automation, in the coming Port 4.0 era.
Every player—terminal operators, trucking companies, railroads, shippers, logistics companies, and freight
forwarders—will be connected to optimise not just the port itself but also its entire ecosystem33.”
Port of Antwerp is an expansive area with public roads traversing its space. In the future, there may be
a port traffic management system that safely and efficiently steers autonomous ships, trains, trucks andother vehicles throughout the port, while proximity to the city ensures a close connection, with someterminals located almost entirely within the city limits.

Image ©Port of Antwerp

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“Human error accounts for 75% ofmarine liability losses.”– Maritime Journal34

26

Conclusion

6. Conclusion
This whitepaper emphasises a real need to start the drone deployment journey by implementing
technology and specifically, a UTM system to integrate drones safely and efficiently into the port
environment.
There are several benefits in the areas of environment, safety, protection and infrastructure that support
broadening the scope of operational drones in the port.
Managing a port ecosystem in a holistic and safety-centric manner certainly includes its airspace. UTM
technology should integrate easily with existing systems and support a safe and frictionless integration ofdrones into port airspace.
A port’s willingness to deploy UTM is its first and big step in demonstrating a commitment to being futureready as well as prepared for increased trade volumes, enhanced facilities support and new businessavenues.
In a nutshell, UTM creates new port offerings and attracts new segments of users.
The UTM technology by Unifly is designed to be interoperable, robust and scalable to enable the Port
Authority in assuming all roles necessary to support or offer drone solutions.
In addition, there are bigger benefits at play. Ports are ideal as as proof of concept for testing andprogressing implementation relating to autonomous technology in cities. Data compiled from ports
adopting UTM technology can be used as in-roads into:•

smart ports: where technology such as UTM enables seamless and integrated connectivity, whileautomation amps up productivity without sacrificing safety and accuracy•

smart cities: a port models after a busy city, complete with amenities and administration such as
marine police, but minus the risk of involving human inhabitants•

smart logistics: insights gleaned from ports can lend to advancements in transportation, traffic
flow, fleet management and schedulings with fewer disruptions and delays•

new means of delivery: ports are in a ripe position to test better ways of moving people andparcels, as well as bulk and raw aggregates. With cities and roads getting more congested now,
solutions from last mile delivery to end-to-end transportation will be very welcomed

With the help of UTM technology, managing the entire port ecosystem efficiently and safely, including the
deployment of drones in its environment, shows a port's intention to advance overall performance andbolster market position.

Unifly proprietary - © 2021 Unifly NV. All rights reserved.

27

Meet Unifly

7. Meet Unifly
Unifly is the global leader in Unmanned Traffic Management, or UTM. The drone services market is
rapidly growing as new commercial use cases are discovered and established. This will change how manyindustries, including ports, operate and evolve.
As drone traffic increases, so do concerns regarding safety, privacy, and security. To mitigate these risk
factors and allow the drone industry to flourish, the ability to monitor and manage all drone traffic is of
the highest priority. Inadequate regulation or procedures may cause even the smallest drone to have amajor impact on a large group of people, including bystanders and those in manned aviation.
Communication and responsive data exchange are crucial. Unifly’s UTM technology connects national
and local authorities, such as ports, to drone operators and pilots. This way we provide a seamless andsecure way of facilitating drones and other aircraft to co-exist in the airspace. Our solutions are createdthrough tried-and-tested means with clients, and real-life experience and learnings via large-scale rollouts
in multiple continents.
As we have designed our UTM platform to be modular, scalable and future-proof, we’ve been able tocater to a wide variety of clients and their requirements. As UTM continues to evolve with advancementsin the drone industry, Unifly remains at the forefront of technological development with our deployments
worldwide.

UNIFLY HQ
Airport Business Center | Luchthavenlei 7A – Unit 6 | 2100 Antwerp | Belgium
Tel: +32 3 446 01 00 | www.unifly.aero | info@unifly.aero

UNIFLY North America
1177 Avenue of the Americas | New York, NY 10036 | United States of America
Tel: +1 (646) 799 6459 | www.unifly.aero | info@unifly.aero

Authors
Laurent Huenaerts, Ellen Malfliet, Valerie Wee courtesy of Unifly NV.

Unifly proprietary - © 2021 Unifly NV. All rights reserved.

28

References

8. References
1 According to Federal Aviation Administration, 873,265 drones have been registered in the United States,
available online: https://www.faa.gov/uas/resources/by_the_numbers/
SESAR JU, European Drones Outlook Study – Unlocking the value for Europe, Nov 2016, estimates that by
2050, 7 million consumer leisure drones will be operating across Europe and 400 000 for commercial andgovernment missions.
2 Port Technology International, Industry 4.0 Project to launch across European Ports, June 2019,
Available online https://www.porttechnology.org/news/industry_4-0_project_to_launch_across_eu
3 Since 2019, carmaker Seat started using drones to deliver car parts like airbags within its factoryin Barcelona. According to their VP for Production and Logistics, Christian Vollmer, drone use will
revolutionise logistics and in Seat’s case, reduce part delivery time by 80%, “With this innovation, we areboosting Industry 4.0 and will be more efficient, agile and competitive, as well as much more sustainable.”– Seat, Drones, the steering wheel from the sky, accessed April 2021. Available online: https://www.seat.
com/company/news/company/drones-the-steering-wheel-from-the-sky.html
4 In Canada alone, there are over 53,000 registered drones as compared to 37,000 aircraft flying -Source:
Transport Canada Civil Aviation, October 2020.
5 “67% of port operators see reducing operating costs as their priority.” according to a NAVIS survey inPort Technology with respondents to McKinsey’s 2018 survey “expecting automation to cut operation
expenses by 25-55%.” Port Technology International Team, Survey Reveals Biggest Challenges for
Global Terminals, Oct 2017. Available online: https://www.porttechnology.org/news/top_three_biggest_challenges_for_global_terminals
McKinsey & Company, The Future of Automated Ports, 4 Dec 2018, accessed April 2021.
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/travel-logistics-and-infrastructure/our-insights/the-future-ofautomated-ports
6 U-space project SAFIR proved the ability of drones to safeguard critical areas, such as an international
port or an urban environment. The project was co-funded by the SESAR JU within the framework of the
EU’s Connected Europe Facility. https://www.sesarju.eu/projects/safir
7 SESAR Joint Undertaking, U-space : Supporting Safe and Secure Drone Operations in Europe - A Reportof the Consolidated SESAR U-space Research and Innovation Results, 2020, 23.
8 Accessed Apr 2021. https://www.hamburg-port-authority.de/en/themenseiten/digital-testing-ground
9 Dailybreeze article, accessed Apr 2021. https://www.dailybreeze.com/2019/12/20/la-port-preparing-tolaunch-unmanned-drone-technology
10 Accessed Apr 2021, https://www.apmterminals.com/en/chile/about/our-facilities
11 Unmanned Airspace article, accessed May 2021, https://www.unmannedairspace.info/utm-industryleader-interview/the-port-of-rotterdam-works-on-safety-in-drone-operations-and-welcomes-dronebusiness/
12 Available online: https://govinsider.asia/intelligent-gov/how-singapore-is-gearing-up-for-autonomousshipping-mpa
13 Oude Weernink, Marissa, Van den Engh, Willem, Francisconi, Mattia, Thorborg, Frida, The Blockchain
Potential for Port Logistics, 2017, accessed Apr 2021. https://smartport.nl/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/
White-Paper-Blockchain.pdf
Unifly proprietary - © 2021 Unifly NV. All rights reserved.

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References

14 The Blockchain Potential for Port Logistics, 2017, ibid (n.13).
15 McKinsey & Company, The Future of Automated Ports, Dec 2018, accessed Apr 2021. https://www.
mckinsey.com/industries/travel-logistics-and-infrastructure/our-insights/the-future-of-automated-ports
16 Ericsson, IFM and Arthur D. Little, Connected Ports: A Guide to Making Ports Smarter with Private
Cellular Technology, February 2021, 5.
17 In its Investor Presentation May 2021, Cargotec indicated a compound annual growth rate (CARG) of
3.8% for the global container throughput from 2013 to 2025.
18 Port Technology International, ibid (n.2).
19 As cited in Urban Air Mobility News, “Co-ordination and risk-management is the challenge, nottechnology” – Erwin Verstraelen, Antwerp Port, 24 July 2020.
20 BPA, Aerial Drones and Ports - Managing the risks and opportunities: a British Ports Association
briefing paper, Nov 2020.
21 For e.g. while monitoring temperature of a burning container, BVLOS flights are used to scope out
hotspots where dangerous goods are stored and record measurements accurately.
22 For e.g. photogrammetry checks that a ship docks correctly, monitors for any quay wall damage anddigitally references it quickly to the last ship docked.
23 For e.g. breakwater crane inspection and corrosion detection on container-loading bridges.
24 United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development, 2015. Available online: https://sdgs.un.org/goals
25 Source: DocksTheFuture, D1.5 Port of the Future concepts, topics and projects - draft for experts
validation.docx, Nov 2018.
26 According to the International Energy Agency report in 2017, the total world energy consumption
will rise 28% by 2040, and ports as the main gateways between countries contribute notably to the highdemand of energy. Ports want not only to meet the international and local directives but also to addressenvironmental concerns.
27 As cited in Urban Air Mobility News, “Port of Rotterdam works on safety in drone operations andwelcomes drone business”, 29 Sept 2020.
28 Urban Air Mobility News, ibid (n.19).
29 U-space refers to a system of rules and services including data, and emerging technologies needed tofacilitate a safe and secure integration of drones into European airspace.
30 In 2020, Unifly was awarded the Annual Industry Award from the Air Traffic Control Association for
SAFIR’s outstanding contribution to the quality, safety, and efficiency of air traffic control.
31 After completing their registration on the platform, drone operators are able to fly standard scenarios
pre-approved by the port.
32 https://www.sustainableportofantwerp.com/en/content/mission-vision-strategy-sustainable-port-policy
33 McKinsey ibid (n. 5).
34 As cited in Maritime Journal, “Human error accounts for 75% of marine liability losses”, 10 Apr 2017.
Unifly proprietary - © 2021 Unifly NV. All rights reserved.