Port of Rotterdam to test new drone in Maasvlakte

The Port of Rotterdam Authority will begin testing Dutch drone manufacturer’s newest model, the Avy Aera 3, to see whether it is suitable to support inspectors and shipping masters in their work.

Over the next few months, trials will be conducted with a focus on sea-going and inland shipping inspections by the Harbour Master’s division on bunkering, water pollution, ship-to-ship transfer, zoning for hazardous substances, shore-to-ship transfer, air pollution, and repairs on board vessels.

If the drone, which has a wing span of 3.4 m, a cruise speed of 90 km/h and a 95 km range at low energy consumption, detects an open tank filler cap it may indicate illegal degassing by the vessel and will be a call for taking a closer look.