Singapore-based startup F-drones has claimed to have conducted the first commercial BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) drone delivery in Singapore on 19 April 2020. The drone delivered 2 kg of vitamins over 2.7 km in 7 minutes, to a ship managed by Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS).
Overall, drones have been a new trend in the shipping industry, improving operations and audits.
Keeping in mind that a BVLOS authorization or permit is required to operate a drone beyond the visual range of drone pilots in Singapore, like in the majority of the places worldwide, F-drones is the first company in Singapore to acquire an authorisation from the aviation authority, to conduct BVLOS drone deliveries to ships in Singapore. For now, this is limited to drone deliveries to ships anchored south of the marina area.
Nicolas Ang, CEO of F-drones commented that
These traditional means of transport are expensive, slow, labour and carbon intensive. F-drones’ solutions can help save up to 80% of the costs, time and CO2 emissions. Besides being efficient, delivery drones can also reduce unnecessary human contact amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, the company aims to complete the development of its 100kg-100km drone in the second half of 2021, while the company informed that F-drones will begin their commercial operations at the end of 2020, followed by more tests and improvements.
F-drones is also working with BW’s Hafnia to develop its offering, and recently completed a test delivery with Bernhard Schulte.
