Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) launched a video, presenting the several reasons why the drones could be a game changer in the maritime industry. Except for the significant cost savings, the company also points out the speedier deliveries and less labour dependence.
Cost-efficiency
Using drones, rather than launch boats, can help reduce costs by up to 90% for vessel operators and ship managers. According to the company’s research, the cost of launch boats is on average $1,500 per hire, but this can vary depending on port location and in certain ports costs per hire can amount to as much as $4,000. Drones on the other hand could offer cost savings across the entire industry of up to $675 million. Drones also have the potential to offer customers a number of delivery options to choose from depending on location and service to be carried out.
Speedier deliveries
Drone technology has proven its ability to speed up deliveries, slashing the lead times typically seen on traditional forms of last mile delivery. Long lead times on the delivery of crucial spare parts, vital medicine or necessary documentation, of course results in time lost and increased costs. The use of fast and reliable drones will help ensure that vessels’ waiting time for deliverables is kept to a minimum.
Less labour dependent
Today, using launch boats typically requires the use of ropes, cranes and/or crew climbing onboard to hand over the parcels. Semi-autonomous drones are obviously less labour dependent, with a preprogrammed drone ensuring precise landing on the vessel’s deck for the seamless handover of important packages.
