Drone Technology Implementation in Ukrainian Ports
Ukraine's state-owned Maritime Ports Authority (AMPU) is actively deploying drone technology to enhance monitoring and safety levels at the nation's ports. According to information from the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development, the 'Delta-Pilot' branch has received a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV). This technology enables the performance of tasks that previously required divers, particularly in hazardous conditions. This shift is part of a broader modernization effort to protect critical infrastructure during the ongoing conflict.
Specialists from 'Delta-Pilot' are conducting operations in the ports of Greater Odesa—specifically Odesa, Pivdennyi, and Chornomorsk—as well as on the Danube River and in the deep-water channel 'Danube–Black Sea'. The wartime burden on infrastructure in these areas has increased significantly due to constant shelling, making safety concerns even more pressing.
Safety and Modern Technology
The 'CHORNOMORNIIPROEKT' branch has also begun using aerial drones to conduct engineering audits of ports. Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development, Andrii Kashiuba, noted that modern technologies allow for data collection without exposing workers to dangerous conditions.
“Preserving the lives of our personnel is our unconditional priority,” — Andrii Kashiuba.
The underwater drone (ROV) can perform detailed inspections of piers and seabeds, check the condition of ships' hulls in real-time, and carry out work in dangerous situations such as accidents or mine threats, thereby replacing human divers. AMPU plans to expand its drone fleet and establish a specialized drone technology center, aiming to further enhance safety in Ukraine's seaports.
The implementation of drone technology in Ukrainian ports represents a crucial step toward improving safety and operational efficiency amid growing threats. The use of ROVs and aerial drones reduces risks to workers' lives, as these systems can perform hazardous tasks without direct human involvement. This is especially relevant in a warzone, where the security of both infrastructure and personnel is a national priority.