Last week saw the launch of a new drone transport service in the Port of Antwerp, providing swift transportation of petrochemical analysis samples from the port to the laboratory. This new solution, SAMPLIFLY, is a collaboration between ADLC (A Drone Logistics Company), SGS, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification and BASF Antwerpen NV and is the result of a Demonstration Project developed under ESA’s Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) programme. The successful autonomous drone flight is the first of its kind to have been carried out in Europe.

Major industrial ports face multiple challenges around logistics, not only from the cost and delays caused by congested road systems but also the high emissions levels resulting from conventional road transportation methods. The SAMPLIFLY project set out to develop a safe, swift and low carbon alternative using autonomous cargo drones capable of carrying payloads of up to 15 kg over a 60 km distance. 

Working with SGS and ESA BASS to develop a safe and workable solution, ADLC has created a comprehensive software platform which can manage the whole operation, from transport request, flight planning and remote drone launch, through to safe delivery of goods. The drone is monitored remotely throughout the flight by a pilot who can take immediate action if required to ensure the highest safety levels throughout the delivery.

Whilst advanced drone technology has the capability to move goods over increasing distances, the transportation of petrochemical samples is subject to very strict safety requirements and any such shipments carried out in an industrial environment must comply with the strictest international aviation regulations. ADLC is the first company in Europe to be approved for the transportation of petrochemical analysis samples by drone and the first in the world to successfully fly petrochemical samples in this way across a non-segregated airspace within a port environment.

Arnaud Runge, lead technical officer from ESA on the SAMPLIFLY project said, “We are delighted with the success of SAMPLIFLY’S first flight this week. This technology has the potential to transform the way ports manage such shipments, offering a swift and cost-effective solution which can greatly reduce the environmental impact of port logistics.”

“We are extremely pleased to have reached this historic milestone and European first today. After more than two years of development and pioneering work, we are now ready to go. In the coming months, this sustainable and cutting-edge drone transport will be fully digitally integrated into our customer services," said Kristof Van Hoecke, Regional Digital, Technology & Innovation Manager at SGS.

Marc Kegelaers, Co-founder and Chairman at ADLC said, “As a young, innovative startup, it is always a challenge to find a partner/customer with the same entrepreneurial mindset. Thanks to the intense collaboration within the SAMPLIFLY project, we have achieved a series of 'firsts'. We are already experiencing international resonance, especially in the maritime and industrial sectors, where rapid deliveries are not only 'nice-to-have' but can significantly contribute to operational efficiency and sustainability goals." 

This service launch only marks the beginning of SAMPLIFY’s successful innovations. The project will complete a series of trials at the Port of Antwerp to assess benefits and impacts before expanding into future projects and partnerships with other ports.