The Port of Hamburg will start using automated drones to monitor events and to enable more efficient port infrastructure maintenance.
The drones will be deployed as part of a new partnership between HHLA Sky and the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA).
Jens Meier, chairman of the executive board of the HPA, explained: “In the event of storm surges, accidents or other unforeseeable disruptions, flying, floating or self-driving robots can be on-site considerably faster and provide high-resolution videos and pictures for an exact overview of the situation. The time saved can be decisive in an emergency.”
HHLA Sky has a developed a control centre for the operation and monitoring of drones, which it recently brought to market.
It connects the various HPA applications within the scope of the technology partnership to streamline processes that were previously labour-intensive.
Lars Neumann, director of logistics at HHLA, said: “HHLA Sky typifies the targeted growth and innovation strategy of HHLA. Based on our strong position, we are drivers of sustainable innovations for the logistics of the future.”
Phanthian Zuesongdham, head of division port process solutions at the HPA, added: “The next phase of product development for our new ‘drones as a service’ product will be launched with this partnership. We will begin pilot operations this year.”
Image: More than 100 drones can be controlled for various missions via the HHLA Sky control centre (Credit: HHLA Sky)
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