Lysaker, Norway-based Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) plans to deliver its agency essentials via drone.
WSS Ships Agency VP business solutions & marketing Marius Johansen said: “Whether it is deliveries of critical documents or vital medical supplies, tank inspections, or monitoring cargo and stockpile levels, we believe semi-autonomous drone flights can support and further enhance what our ships agency team can offer our customers.
Launch vessels typically cost around $1,500. A drone delivery would eventually come down to costing just $150.
“Relied upon by owners, operators, vessels and crew to get spare parts, medicine, documents, or cash to master where it needs to be at moment’s notice, drone delivery is a natural extension of our existing agency service portfolio”.
The use of drones dispenses with the need for launch boats to deliver such essentials to vessels at anchorage, along with cutting delivery times, Johansen estimates that drone flights will also cut costs. With launch vessels typically costing on average $1,500, he suggests a drone delivery would eventually come down to costing just $150.