-
Skyports, Jurong Port explore maritime drone delivery
-
The partners signed an MOU that seeks to explore development of ship-to-shore infrastructure at Singapore’s only multi-purpose cargo port
-
The project partners will jointly determine the feasibility and development of plans for cargo drone delivery operations and related infrastructure at Jurong Port
-
Trials will be carried out simultaneously with ongoing port operations
Skyports and Jurong Port are exploring how maritime drone delivery may be integrated into the operations of Singapore’s only multi-purpose cargo port.
Skyports signed a memorandum of understanding with Jurong Port that aims to develop ship-to-shore infrastructure.
In a statement, Skyport said the MoU is a significant milestone for the development of large-scale drone delivery operations in Singapore and expands on the drone delivery service provider’s ongoing work in the country’s bustling maritime sector.
“Tremendous progress has been made in the arena of maritime drone delivery services over the past year, and infrastructure development is the next critical step to truly realizing the vast opportunities afforded by large-scale drone delivery services,” said Skyports Head of Asia Pacific Yun-Yuan Tay.
“We are honored to be partnering with an industry stalwart like Jurong Port, as we work closely to take tangible steps towards designing Singapore’s first full-scale infrastructure development project with one of the country’s most experienced port operators.”
Tay said he is looking forward to strengthening the partnership in the future “to bring heightened efficiency, safety and overall value to the shipping and logistics industry.”
Over the next year, Skyports and Jurong Port will commence joint studies to determine the feasibility and development of plans for cargo drone delivery operations and related infrastructure at Jurong Port.
The trials will be carried out simultaneously with ongoing port operations.
At the same time, Skyports will lead in the engagement with relevant public sector organizations, regulators, and private entities to further the development of critical regulatory frameworks for the deployment of large-scale cargo drone delivery services.
Walter Lin, Jurong Port assistant vice president, Business Units, Breakbulk & Lighters, said “drone delivery technology has demonstrated its ability to enhance the maritime industry’s processes.”
“The development of its supporting infrastructure will be crucial in transforming the future of maritime logistics and shipping. As one of the world’s busiest anchorages, Jurong Port is constantly looking out for solutions that will benefit the shipping and maritime industry,” Lin said.
“We believe that drone delivery technology will play an integral role in the evolution of our next-generation port and [we are] thrilled to partner Skyports in a feasibility study for commercial drone deliveries.”
Jurong Port is a provider of multipurpose port services, having served Singapore for more than 50 years as the main point of entry. The company handles bulk, break-bulk and containerized cargo, and manages tens of thousands of vessel-calls annually in Singapore’s sole multi-purpose port.
