Drones to Conduct Maritime Environmental Missions

Drones to Conduct Maritime Environmental Missions

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Drones will be used for maritime environmental surveillance and monitoring missions in Europe, while guarding their ability to engage in emergency missions as well when needed.

Global maritime technology innovator Martek Marine said its maritime drone services have been included on a framework contract by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), which deals with maritime safety and prevention of pollution by ships.

Due to the recent entering into force of the new limits for sulphur content of marine fuels, SOx emissions from ships need to be monitored.

Marine Technology News reports that in order to improve environmental surveillance capabilities, data from new sensors, in particular from remotely piloted aircraft systems, are to be incorporated to provide information to Member States.

This technology has a multipurpose character and could in an emergency be used for other purposes, if necessary or requested by Member States, the European Commission and other EU agencies.

A team of technical experts and experienced pilots will operate the bespoke maritime unmanned helicopter specifically adapted to suit this application.  

The monitoring mission requires that a drone sample gases from a vessel’s emissions plume by using a sophisticated payload of electro-optical, infra-red imaging, gas emission and AIS detection sensors.

The drone can be flown over 50 km from the ground station beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), development is also underway to incorporate satellite command and control and payload data streaming, so the drone can operate in what is known as BRLOS (beyond radio line of sight) over 100 kilometers away.

In order to operate effectively in the harsh maritime environment, the drone can withstand storm force wind and heavy rain, snow and salt spray.

The drone will stream instant and continuous video back to the ground station and Member States. An on-board gas analyzer draws samples of air and monitors SOx, NOx and CO2 levels to determine possible breaches in EU law on the sulphur content of a ship’s fuel.