A Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) was inked by the Singapore Association of Shipsuppliers and Services (SASS), Heron AirBridge, and CWT Aerospace.
The new collaboration aims to highlight the advantages of maritime drone operations, such as reduced lead times, an alternative transportation method if boats are not allowed in bad weather, sustainability, and the increased technological advancement of the marine sector.
"Drone logistics delivery holds tremendous potential to transform how our members serve the shipping industry,” stated Danny Lien, president of the Singapore Association of Shipsuppliers and Services.
Lien added, "This collaboration with Heron and CWT Aerospace, market leaders in the Singapore aviation and logistics industries, will enable us to develop system-wide end-to-end solutions to make efficient drone deliveries possible."
According to Heron AirBridge, unmanned drones have conducted trial transportation services all over the world in recent years. Although some effective trials have resulted in commercial operations, the full potential of maritime drone deliveries has yet to be realised due to legislative constraints and a dearth of a devoted operational structure throughout the logistics and cargo industry.
"Drone operations in the maritime environment have unique complexities and challenges due to the unpredictability of weather, ships' schedules and the need to consider other risks at sea,” pointed out Ryan Lee, CEO and co-founder of Heron AirBridge.
