Angus first for UK shore-to-ship medi-drone delivery trials

Montrose Port Authority will this week stage the inaugural trials in the Project MediDrone initiative.

If successful, it could see drones become a common sight at ports and over the sea.

They could open up the opportunity for Covid-19 tests and other medical supplies to be delivered to and from vessels without them needing to dock or be boarded by harbour pilots.

Experts say the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) could cut costs and improve safety and efficiency.

The medical use would further reduce risk of infection being brought back to shore and into the community.

The trials are being coordinated by London-based technology firm Neuron Innovations in partnership with ‘drone-in-a-box’ provider HEROTECH8 LTD and specialist insurance and risk management company, Flock.

The scheme has been funded by a UK government innovation grant.

Montrose is already at the centre of ambitious proposals for the UK’s first drone port.

It is linked to the £500 million Zero Four business development which could bring 2,000 new jobs to Angus.

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