AD Ports Group and Geo-data specialist Fugro have signed an agreement to utilise remote and autonomous technologies in the region.
The agreement was signed at the ADIPEC 2022 Exhibition in Abu Dhabi by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group and Mark Heine – Fugro CEO.
Under the partnership, the signatories will create a platform to implement remote and autonomous technology, and to create guidelines that will ensure the UAE is prepared to welcome the use of latest industry advancements.
The companies have been working together since March 2022 ahead of the arrival of the region’s first Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) – the Fugro Pegasus.
The USV was recently welcomed into the UAE and will be stationed at Al Mirfa Port, Abu Dhabi.
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“Through strategic collaborations, AD Ports Group brought the world’s first fully unmanned autonomous commercial marine tugs, as well as the Middle East’s first terminal with an autonomous port truck system, to the UAE,” said Captain Mohamed Al Yahyaei, Chief Harbour Master, AD Ports Group.
“By signing this new agreement with Fugro, we are expanding the range of remote and autonomous technologies available for the maritime sector, as we strive to build a safer, more sustainable and more impactful future.”
The parties said this agreement focuses on developing procedures for the use and implementation of USVs in accordance with the requirements of the UAE.
In turn, this will allow vessels and vehicles to operate more efficiently, with greater operational safety, and reduce operational costs.
The three organisations will collaborate on a trial programme that will deploy aerial drones to carry parcels and documents to specified Emirates Post sites across the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
