Wilson Sons starts drone deliveries in Brazilian port

Wilson Sons is testing drones in the Port of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, to optimise the delivery of small packages and documentation to ships.

The company said it is using unmanned aerial vehicles from Speedbird Aero to make port operations safer, more efficient and sustainable. Using drones to make deliveries between vessels and port facilities is unprecedented in Brazilian ports.

Wilson Sons said uncrewed aerial vehicles support the country’s development by introducing innovation and new technologies.

In 2022, Speedbird was the first company to obtain authorisation from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency to operate uncrewed aerial systems beyond visual line of sight between the pilot and the aircraft, with no auxiliary observer for long-distance flights.

“The drone tests are a milestone of innovation in Brazil’s port sector, generating even safer, more efficient and sustainable technological solutions,” said Wilson Sons executive director of shipping agency, Flávia Carvalho.

“The competent authorities have granted all authorisations and licences required for the operation, therefore Speedbird fully guarantees the safety of this activity. Safety is a value and a non-negotiable requirement for Wilson Sons.”

Wilson Sons is driving innovation in the port and maritime sectors, including founding Cubo Maritime & Port in 2022. This is the first hub in the Latin American maritime and port sector dedicated to promoting an innovation ecosystem and developing new technologies.