The Port of Amsterdam is set to conduct a four-week drone detection system trial, aimed to build understanding of how, where and why drones are flying over the Port of Amsterdam, as well as to monitor the potential of drones for numerous use applications across its, and its customers’ operations.
The data collected from this pilot is expected to have far reaching influence on the future use of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) across the 650ha Port area.
In particular, the M.A.D.S (Marine Anti Drone Systems) will support the Port by monitoring legal and illegal flying across its land, by detecting and identifying drones within a 5km range, providing GPS positioning of both drone and pilot together with the drone’s speed and heading. Configurable and escalating stage alarms in real time allow the drones intentions to be assessed in good time to decide on appropriate defence actions.
This trial is an important part of our innovation strategy. The M.A.D.S system gives us a first opportunity to get a feeling for the technology that will help us understand drone usage and make a first assessment on unwanted drone flights in a part of our port…. As the Port Authority we do want ensure drone flights in our port are carried out safely and responsibly, within the laws and regulations,
…said Joost Zuidema, Project Manager Innovation, who is overseeing the trial for the Port Authority.
A recent report by IDC (international Data Corporation) stated that it expected worldwide investment in drones to be USD12.3 billion in 2019, with drone purchase growing nearly twice as fast as the investment in robotics over the same period.
The growing trend for the use of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) being used on Ports, Commercial shipping and Super yachts is, as yet, not fully recognised by authorities. We are delighted to be working with Ports of Amsterdam, who are on the cutting edge of developing technology to understand the opportunities for drone use and the potential threats and benefits they can provide for key national infrastructure,
…added Erik Van Wilsum Head of CUAS.
