Marine logistics company Marco Polo Marine has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with F-drones to co-develop the world’s first large-scale, electric aerial delivery drones for offshore wind farms.
F-drones is a Singapore-based company that develops large scale autonomous delivery drones.
The partnership will see Marco Polo and F-drones co-develop drones that are customised for development in the Asia-Pacific region. The drones will send supplies and critical items to offshore wind installations.
F-drones brings to the table its advanced drone technology expertise, while Marco Polo Marine will provide its strong technical operating and commercial capabilities in the offshore wind sector.
According to the joint release put out by Marco Polo Marine and F-drones, the delivery drones is expected to save 90% in costs. The drones will also be four times faster than traditional means of transport such as boats and helicopters.
The use of drones will significantly reduce fuel consumption when conducting remote and emergency deliveries, says Marco Polo Marine and F-drones.
According to both companies, using drones will also result in sharply lower carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions – which includes CO2 and other greenhouse gases – of up to 99%, as compared to sending a supply boat or crew transfer vessel (CTV) for 100kg loads over 100km to offshore wind farms.
Sean Lee, CEO of Marco Polo Marine says, “The partnership is an example of different industry players with aligned values coming together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is in line with global and Singapore government initiatives. By enabling efficient and sustainable maritime logistics, this collaboration will boost the offshore maritime industry, as it transitions to fuels with a lower or minimal carbon footprint.”
Nicholas Ang, CEO of F-drones adds, ““The world’s energy transition not only requires building renewable energy assets, but also the ability to service them sustainably. Our partnership with Marco Polo Marine is a case-in-point, which has the potential to transform the future of logistics across offshore wind farms globally.”
Shares in Marco Polo Marine closed at 2.8 cents on March 2.
