Wilhelmsen picked for drone delivery project

In its winning proposal, Wilhelmsen had outlined how drone deliveries, rather than using launches, could improve safety, productivity and efficiency. The company estimates that quicker response and delivery times have the potential to reduce shore-to-ship delivery costs by as much as 90%.
Earlier this year at Posidonia, WSS signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus’ Skyways to work jointly on a pilot trial to deliver spare parts, documents, water test kits and 3D-printed consumables to vessels at anchorage from Singapore port’s Marina South Pier. Starting any time now, this will be the first time that drone technology has been used in a port for the delivery of parcels to vessels at anchorage.
Commenting on the latest project, Marius Johansen, vice president Commercial, Wilhelmsen Ships Agency, said: “Only weeks after announcing the Airbus partnership, this award almost feels a bit overwhelming. It will be important for us to validate the use case of parcel delivery with drones, but it will also enable us to develop key technological solutions such as ship localisation and precision landing, payload release systems, light and reliable private 4G/long-term evolution communications, onshore parcel stations and an automated package delivery system.”