Rotterdam port is using drones to detect illegal degassing by ships

The Port of Rotterdam Authority says it is conducting trials with Dutch drone manufacturer Avy’s new Aera 3 autonomous aircraft to see if it can support inspectors and shipping masters in their work. 

For the next few months, the white-orange Avy Aera 3 will fly weekly over Maasvlakte and Europoort, taking off automatically from a docking station installed at the Rotterdam-Rijnmond Pilotage Service at Pistoolhaven.

More specifically, the trials will focus on sea-going and inland shipping inspections by the Harbour Master’s Division. The drone will be on the lookout for issues such as bunkering, water pollution, ship-to-ship transfer, zoning for hazardous substances, shore-to-ship transfer, air pollution (smoke or soot), and repairs on board vessels. If the drone detects an open tank filler cap, for instance, it might be an indication of illegal degassing by the ship and call for a closer look by the port officials.

On flight days, operations will begin…