The Spanish ports agency, Puertos del Estado, together with the Port Authority of Málaga, has published a guide for the use and application of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in the port environment. The guide was developed in collaboration with the Spanish Port Authorities, with the support of INECO and ENAIRE, and technical contributions and comments from SENASA, ITG and ITE. It provides a common framework to support the progressive, safe and coordinated integration of UAS across the Spanish state-owned port system.
The guide addresses key areas including governance, the regulatory framework, operational management, protection against unauthorised drones and the main applications of UAS technology.
Secretary General for Air and Maritime Transport, Benito Núñez, said at the launch that while UAS provide many benefits, their deployment must continue to be based on safety, efficient airspace management and coexistence with other aeronautical and non-aeronautical activities.
Puertos del Estado President, Gustavo Santana, said the new guide represents a starting point for continuing to advance, in a coordinated manner, the integration of UAS into the port system.
Carlos Rubio, President of the Port Authority of Málaga, also stressed the importance of the initiative, noting that it comes at a critical time and addresses the need to standardise procedures, as demand for drone operations is growing significantly, both from Port Authorities for public domain monitoring and from private operators for a wide range of commercial purposes.
Drones are already used in many Spanish ports, such as for perimeter surveillance and security, infrastructure inspection, topographic surveying, emergency management and water surface monitoring.
With the help of the guide, Puertos del Estado aims to facilitate the integration of UAS into the port environment by providing a common reference framework to address the regulatory, operational and organisational challenges associated with UAS. The document has been conceived as a living reference that will support the ongoing evolution of the port system and serve as the basis for future innovation and digitalisation initiatives.
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Image: Puertos del Estado