The Conceptualization of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Ship–Shore Delivery Service for the Maritime Industry of Trinidad

Abstract

Human risk has further increased within the global maritime industry because of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. It also impacted the economic activity within the Caribbean islands, including its ship–shore delivery sector. Traditionally, this service includes human interface presenting safety and health hazards, and vessels employed operate on fossil fuels, releasing emissions that contribute to harmful GHG and air pollution. Opportunities have arisen for local maritime companies to introduce innovative strategies within the industry to rectify these challenges. Implementing unmanned aerial system (UAS) technology can reduce operational costs, human risk, environmental impact, and delivery time. This study assessed the feasibility of a UAS ship–shore delivery service to optimize near-harbor deliveries within six major ports of Trinidad. Data was gathered through field observations, a literature survey, questionnaires, and interviews with relevant stakeholders. Based on the above approach, the needs of the local ship–shore delivery sector were identified and categorized. An appropriate UAS which addressed these needs while maintaining the economic, environmental, and human safety requirements was then identified. Recommendations for overcoming the local implementation and operational challenges that were encountered are presented. This study may serve as a reference for conceptualizing a UAS ship–shore delivery service and offers resolutions for similar implementation challenges.

Risks of Drone Use in Light of Literature Studies

“…The use of UAVs to transport materials is marked by advantages such as reduced costs, increased safety, and increased efficiency [ 166 , 174 , 176 ]; however, not everything can be transported this way. Researchers are exploring the possibilities of using UAVs for transportation while noting their limitations.…”

“…Researchers are exploring the possibilities of using UAVs for transportation while noting their limitations. Drones make it possible to transport goods from point A to point B in a delivery service [ 165 , 166 , 167 , 168 ]. It is also possible to transport medical goods or blood, in compliance with existing regulations [ 152 , 153 , 160 , 169 , 170 , 171 , 172 ].…”

Unoccupied Aerial Systems: A Review of Regulatory and Legislative Frameworks in the Caribbean

“…Despite this, however, the popularity of recreational UAS use has increased [27], and so has the number of UAS-related issues. Most of these issues have been related to matters such as invasion of privacy, security concerns, and public safety [40]. With respect to the use of UASs in the As indicated in Figure 3, a standard flight limitation in most of the studied states was the maximum flight altitude above sea level.…”

Exploring contributions of drones towards Industry 4.0

“…For product design and production efficiency, the drone has turned its attention to supply chain management. The supply chain leaders at this company are working to reduce costs and improve responsiveness while strengthening the supply chain, increasing order fulfilment rates and decreasing response times while reducing overall warehousing costs and increasing the efficiency of transportation networks (Yi and Moon, 2019; Nhamo et al , 2020; Bhuiyan et al , 2020; Sookram et al , 2021). Augmented reality and visualisation techniques are used to maintain contact with service professionals.…”