Airbus Skyways drone carries out world's first shore-to-ship deliveries 

The trial, which Airbus said marks the first time drone technology has been deployed in real port conditions, used the firm's Skyways parcel delivery drone to carry 1.5kg of 3D printed components from Singapore’s Marin South Pier to a vessel anchored 1.5km off the coast. The entire flight took ten minutes.

During the ongoing trials, which are being carried out in partnership with maritime logistics firm Wilhelmsen Ships Services, the drone will lift off from the pier with payloads of up to 4kg, and navigate autonomously along pre-determined ‘aerial corridors’ to vessels as far as 3km from the coast.

Airbus and Wilhelmsen signed an agreement in June 2018 to drive the development of an end-to-end unmanned aircraft system for safe shore-to-ship deliveries.

Commenting on the achievement Airbus’ Skyways lead, Leo Jeoh said: “We are thrilled to launch the first trial of its kind in the maritime world. Today’s accomplishment is a culmination of months of intense preparation by our dedicated team, and the strong collaboration with our partner, as we pursue a new terrain in the maritime industry.”