Terra Drone Co., Ltd.
Terra Drone subsidiary “Unifly” introduces the latest version of the operation management system at the Port of Antwerp and Bruges The first major update in three years for Antwerp Port and the first introduction for Bruges Port, contributing to more efficient drone operations and technology expansion at Europe’s largest trading port. ……
Terra Drone Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo,
Representative: Toru Tokushige, hereinafter referred to as Terra Drone) is a subsidiary of Unifly NV (hereinafter referred to as Unifly), a leading company in flight management system providers headquartered in Belgium. SkeyDrone (hereinafter referred to as SkyDrone), a company that develops and provides services for drones, announces that they have installed the latest version of the drone operation management system (UTM) “Drone Potal” developed by UniFly at the Port of Antwerp and Bruges. This is the first major update in Antwerp Port District since its introduction in 2021, and this is the first time it has been introduced in Bruges Port District.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is Europe’s largest trading port (*1), and drones fly beyond visual line of sight every day, especially in the Antwerp port area, and UniFly is contributing to the efficiency of drone operations and the expansion of technology. . As of February 2024, UniFly is the only UTM provider in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. *1 Antwerp/Bruges Port Announcement
https://newsroom.portofantwerpbruges.com/port-of-antwerp-bruges-merger-of-the-ports-of-antwerp-and-zeebrugge-creates-europes-largest-export-port
[Image: https://prtimes.jp/i/20194/287/resize/d20194-287-34073c40765cf137b040-0.png&s3=20194-287-82f61ed13d748d9373344f067cb265ff-1000×524.png ]
overview
Since the UTM “Drone Portal” developed by UniFly began operating in the Port of Antwerp district in mid-March 2021, it has carried out more than 5,000 flight permit and approval procedures. The latest version of Drone Portal has been upgraded, including an optimized automatic approval function, integrated support for drone operations, and enhanced user interface (UI)/user experience (UX). This time, “Drone Portal” has also been introduced to Bruges Port District, expanding its operational area.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the hub for the most drone flights in Belgium. In addition to the D-Hive network project (*2), which promotes drone flight beyond visual line of sight, many drone operators use the same airspace for different purposes, playing an important role in the drone ecosystem. . Furthermore, the port of Antwerp-Bruges is expected to become Europe’s first official U-Space (*3) airspace (*4), and is attracting attention as an important milestone in autonomous flight.
*2 D-Hive Network Project: A new beyond-visual flight framework approved by the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which will be used for quay management, surveillance, infrastructure inspection, Drones fly beyond visual line every day to detect oil spills and floating waste, supporting security partners in the event of an incident.
*3 U-Space: A concept related to operation management, including the regulatory framework for drone implementation in Europe.
*4 Antwerp/Bruges Port Announcement
https://newsroom.portofantwerpbruges.com/world-first-in-antwerp-port-area-drone-network-officially-launched Comments from each company
-UniFly CEO Andres Van Salm-
We look forward to seeing more drone operators move toward autonomous flight. In addition to this UTM upgrade, we believe that the expansion of its implementation not only to the Antwerp port area but also to the Bruges port area is an important milestone in advancing the U-Space compatibility of the Antwerp and Bruges ports. Masu. We believe that the Port of Antwerp-Bruges will become a world-leading example of the integration of drones into unseparated airspace. -Antwerp/Bruges Port Chief Digital Information & Innovation Officer Erwin Verstraelen-
Our partnership with UniFly and Skydrone reaffirms our commitment to becoming a future-proof port. Together, we will create new frontiers in unmanned drone flight.
-Skydrone Managing Director Hendrik-Jan Van Der Gucht-
This upgrade and expansion of the operational area not only improves the user experience for drone operators, but also ensures the safe and seamless integration of unmanned aircraft in European airspace and aims to be the next step towards U-space readiness. I’ll go. Antwerp/Bruges Port
With a total export volume of 271 million tonnes per year, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is an important hub for global trade and industry, playing a vital role in container and breakbulk handling and vehicle transport. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is home to 1,400 companies, forming Europe’s largest integrated chemical industry cluster. The port provides direct and indirect employment for around 164,000 people and generates added value of €21 billion. For more information https://www.portofantwerpbruges.com/en
SkeyDrone
It is a joint venture between the Belgian air traffic control services company (ANSP) skeyes and the Brussels Airport Company. It was founded with the aim of providing comprehensive solutions for all business needs related to unmanned aerial vehicles. We help aviation
authorities monitor, manage and protect their airspace, help drone operators safely operate their drones, and provide businesses with solutions to optimize their business processes using drones. It also plays a vital role in the implementation of U-Space in Belgium and aims to become Europe’s first U-Space service provider. For more information, please visit https://skeydrone.aero/
Unifly NV
A Belgian-based UTM (Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management) technology provider that primarily develops operational management systems for drones and flying cars. We have a track record of nationwide UTM implementation in eight European and American countries, and are a world-leading company in this field. Terra Drone concluded a strategic partnership agreement in 2016, also formed a capital alliance, and in 2023 acquired a 51% stake and made it a subsidiary. DFS, an air traffic control service provider (ANSP) affiliated with the German government, also highly values the company’s knowledge and technological capabilities, and invested in the company in 2018, making it the second largest shareholder. For more information, visit www.unifly.aero
Terra Drone Co., Ltd.
We are a service provider that develops and provides solutions for flying cars and drones, founded in 2016 with the mission of “Unlock “X” Dimensions (Fusing different dimensions to create a prosperous future).” Headquartered in Tokyo, we provide patented surveying and inspection drones developed in-house to the oil and gas, chemical, and construction industries in 11 countries both domestically and internationally. We have a rich track record in countries around the world and high R&D capabilities regarding non-destructive inspection work using drones. We also have a track record of deploying a traffic management system (UTM) that has been implemented in eight countries around the world. For more information, visit
http://www.terra-drone.net
Inquiries regarding this matter
Terra Drone Co., Ltd.
Email: pr@terra-drone.co.jp
HP: http://www.terra-drone.net
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