TECH
Drone platforms extend eyes across the seas
Autonomous systems expand surveillance for safety, security, and climate
Saildrone Unmanned Surface Vessel. Photo by Saildrone.
Drones and unmanned systems are becoming standard tools in maritime operations. From emissions monitoring to anti-piracy patrols, autonomous air and sea platforms are scaling visibility far beyond what manned patrols can achieve.
Here are the latest deployments:
Europe expands drone surveillance contracts. In 2024, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) renewed service contracts for its Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems. The drones monitor emissions, spills, and search-and-rescue zones across the Mediterranean and North Sea.
US Coast Guard formalizes unmanned systems strategy. In March 2025, the Coast Guard released its updated Unmanned Systems Strategic Plan. By August, it had established a new Program Executive Office for Robotics and Autonomy to scale UAV and USV adoption across missions.
India installs anti-drone surveillance at Kandla Port. In July 2025, Deendayal Port (Kandla) became the first in India to deploy a multi-station anti-drone and surveillance system. Covering 200 acres, the platform detects, tracks, and neutralizes unauthorized drones over critical port zones.
Australia boosts aerial patrols against illegal fishing. In June 2025, Australia confirmed new budget funding to expand aerial drone surveillance across Pacific Island waters. The system targets illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing fleets threatening local economies.
NOAA integrates drones into hurricane missions. In April 2025, NOAA announced expanded use of saildrone surface vessels and UAVs for Atlantic hurricane tracking. The data improves forecast accuracy and supports climate modeling.
That’s not all: commercial adoption is rising too. Golden Ocean added Orca AI to its dry bulk fleet in 2025, enhancing bridge situational awareness and collision avoidance with computer vision. Analysts forecast rapid scaling of drone-as-a-service offerings for ports, fisheries, and offshore operators this decade.
—TFI
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