As Morski writes on the 5th of September, 2019, the launch of a long-range unmanned aerial vehicle system to monitor the security, safety and overall cleanliness of the Croatian Adriatic sea is set to enhance security at sea.
The launch of the new unmanned aerial maritime surveillance system, organised by the naval safety administration of the Croatian Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure, took place at Brač Airport at 14.00, in the presence of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), the Armed Forces The Republic of Croatia and the Central coordination for the protection of the rights and interests of the Republic of Croatia at sea, as well as representatives of shipping companies and ports, and various representatives of the scientific and professional community.
The unmanned aerial vehicle, ”Schiebel Camcopter S-100” consists of a ground control unit and an aircraft with vertical takeoff and flight of up to 100 kilometres. The unmanned aircraft is designed for six hours of autonomy and is equipped with state-of-the-art sensor equipment, which allows for both day and night operation.
The project for the implementation of the unmanned aerial vehicle surveillance system for the Adriatic was realised as part of a comprehensive maritime surveillance project, implemented by EMSA with national authorities responsible for navigation safety and marine protection, and is of particular national and public interest, since the use of this technology will make a significant contribution to strengthening the capacity for operational monitoring at sea by improving the quality, accessibility and efficiency of public services in the navigation safety system.
Namely, the continuous improvement of the level of navigation safety in inland waters, the territorial sea and protected ecological and fishing zones of the Republic of Croatia is among the priority goals of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure, which has recognised the importance of using modern technologies in order to improve efficiency and reduce the operational costs of monitoring.
Therefore, the operational testing of long-range, unmanned aerial vehicles is being carried out, ready for action at any time, as part of both regular and extraordinary activities, to protect human lives and property at sea, to prevent and combat pollution, and to respond promptly in the event of maritime accidents, as well as search and rescue missions and other events at sea.
By introducing unmanned aerial vehicles to support safe navigation and the protection of the Adriatic sea from pollution, the Republic of Croatia ranks among the first European Union members to implement this system, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs proudly notes.
Watch the video of the Adriatic sea’s new unmanned guardian here:
Make sure to follow our dedicated lifestyle page for much more.
