Wilson Sons Tests Drone For Vessel Deliveries & Pickups At Port Of Salvador

Wilson Sons, a leading Brazilian shipping and logistics company with more than 187 years of experience, has started testing drones for vessel deliveries and pickups at the Port of Salvador. This is the first time drones are being used for such operations in Brazil’s port facilities.

The initiative is being carried out in partnership with Speedbird Aero, a company specialising in the design, manufacturing, and operation of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs).

These drones are expected to improve efficiency and safety in port logistics while reducing operational costs and environmental impact.

In 2022, Speedbird Aero became the first company in Brazil to receive approval from the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to operate uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS).

This authorisation allows drones to fly over long distances without direct visual contact with a pilot or an auxiliary observer. The company has also expanded its drone operations to Singapore, a global leader in port innovation.

“The drone tests represent a milestone in Brazil’s port sector, bringing in safer, more efficient, and sustainable solutions. Our Shipping Agency, the oldest in operation in Brazil, is at the forefront of these advancements, supporting the progress of port infrastructure and national development,” said Flavia Carvalho, Executive Director of Wilson Sons’ Shipping Agency.

Carvalho also said that all necessary approvals and licenses have been obtained from relevant authorities, ensuring full compliance and safety. She added, “Safety is a fundamental value for Wilson Sons, and we uphold it as a non-negotiable requirement in all our operations.”

Wilson Sons has a long history of adopting new technologies. Since 2019, the company has had a dedicated innovation team focused on improving its operations and working with startups to develop cutting-edge solutions.

In 2022, the company played an important role in founding Cubo Maritime & Port, Latin America’s first innovation hub dedicated to promoting technological advancements in the maritime and port industries.

The company was named a leader in open innovation in the Transportation and Logistics sector in 2024 for the third consecutive year by the 100 Open Startups Ranking.

It is also listed among Brazil’s 150 most innovative companies, as per a PwC survey and ranks in the Top 5 Transport & Logistics companies according to the Valor Inovação Brasil Yearbook.

Reference: portalbenews

Source: Maritime Shipping News