F-drones, an unmanned aerial system (UAS) provider, has completed what it claims is the world’s first commercial drone delivery at night.
The flight took place in early November and traveled from the Wilhelmsen region in Singapore to Berge Sarstein, a vessel owned by Berge Bulk. The drone traveled 5 km from the shore to the vessel in about 7 minutes, delivering the payload to workers on the ship.
The payload delivered is claimed to be the first 3D-printed, CE-certified lifting tool from Wärtsilä, a Finnish maker of marine and energy equipment.
F-drones specializes in drone deliveries from land to maritime vessels and offshore platforms. Its drones are designed to carry a heavy payload but with long-range capabilities to go beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS).
BVLOS allows drone operators to conduct complex drone operations where the device flies beyond a point where they can see it. It also allows drones to be able to conduct autonomous flight with no pilot needed for take-off or landing.
The company first began testing BVLOS drone delivery earlier this year and has expanded its delivery area at anchorages in Singapore that can operate all-day.
