By Okuneye Moyosola
Drones have been highlighted as a viable solution to addressing security and traffic problems at Nigerian seaports.
This was disclosed at a Drone Technology and Entrepreneurship Workshop organized by the American Embassy in partnership with Global Air Drone Academy and Lonadek Nigeria Limited in Lagos.
Drones are flying robots that can be remotely controlled or fly autonomously through software controlled flight plans in their embedded systems. They are also known as Remotely Piloted Aircrafts (RPAs) or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
The co- founder of Global Air Media, Eno Umoh while speaking at the event noted that the drones could be used for surveillance and security purposes at the seaports and airports.
Eno noted that these drones could be used for port monitoring, inspection and traffic control at sea ports as well as detect mechanical problems of an air craft.
Drones can be used to carry cargoes to a particular destination within a short period thereby lessening the burden of containers and reducing traffic.
Some drones can also be designed as communication gadget to give directions to truck drivers at port environs thereby eliminating the role of security operatives and reducing extortion at ports.
In Chile, APM Terminal works with drones for general supervision operations and risk detention. Their devices have a loudspeaker built into the RPAs, allowing the operator to give directions to truck drivers or other people on the ground.
Balearic Islands Port Authority (APB) has also initiated a pilot programme to control and manage the public port domain by using drones in the port of Alcúdia to supervise port operations and environmental control.
Global Air Media is a FAA licensed unmanned aerial Systems (UAS) or drone mapping and cinematography company based in Baltimore, MD, USA. They also offer drone education training, consultation, mapping, and cinematography and consultation services.
