London, UK – July 2025 – In a significant leap for maritime innovation and the bunkering sector, Skyports Drone Services and TFG Marine have successfully completed Singapore’s first-ever drone operations involving bunker tanker vessels. This groundbreaking trial saw drones safely transport crucial bunker fuel samples to and from a bunker tanker, marking a pivotal moment for port safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability.
Conducted in collaboration with CBS Ventures and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the trials specifically focused on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone deliveries and collections. The primary objective was to thoroughly review safety parameters for integrating drone technology into the complex environment around bunker tankers, demonstrating its viability under stringent safety requirements.
Transforming Bunker Sample Logistics
The successful flights involved Skyports’ Speedbird DLV-2 drone interacting with TFG Marine’s vessel, the MT Diligence. Traditionally, bunker fuel samples – vital for quality testing and regulatory compliance – are transported via launch boats, requiring personnel to cross between vessels. This conventional method can be slower, less efficient, and inherently involves safety risks for crew members in a busy port environment.
The new drone-based approach offers a compelling alternative:
- Enhanced Safety: By minimizing in-person vessel-to-vessel transfers, the risk of accidents and exposure to hazardous conditions for delivery personnel is significantly reduced.
- Improved Efficiency: Drones provide a faster turnaround for sample collection and delivery to onshore labs for quality analysis, streamlining logistics and reducing vessel downtime.
- Greater Sustainability: Replacing launch boat trips with electric drones contributes to lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions within port waters, aligning with Singapore’s green maritime ambitions.
Rigorous Safety Protocols and Operational Details
The success of these trials is the culmination of nearly two years of extensive safety research and regulatory discussions. Critical pre-trial checks included assessments of electrostatic discharge from the drone and real-time measurements of gas emissions and vessel drift prior to operations on the MT Diligence. Flight route planning meticulously ensured drones approached tankers perpendicularly to the winch area with a structured flight sequence, specifically avoiding the most hazardous zones. Furthermore, a pre-programmed fail-safe mechanism ensures the drone exits safely along its approach path in the unlikely event of signal loss.
The operation was remotely managed from MPA’s Maritime Innovation Lab (MIL) 3.0. The Speedbird DLV-2 drone launched from Skyports’ designated Take Off and Landing Pad (TOLP) at the Maritime Drone Estate, flying BVLOS to the MT Diligence. Once positioned above the deck, the drone precisely lowered a cargo box using its winch system. Trained TFG Marine crew then safely loaded the bunker oil sample, signaling the remote pilot to retract the winch before the drone returned to the TOLP for sample collection by TFG Marine personnel for lab testing.
Industry Leaders Championing Innovation
Alex Brown, Director of Drone Services at Skyports, emphasized the transformative potential: “With Singapore seeing over 130,000 vessel calls annually, drone technology has real potential to reduce the risks associated with vessel-to-vessel transfers in Singapore’s port waters and enhance operational efficiency.” He highlighted the two years of intensive research and preparation that led to this proven roadmap for drone operations in marine fueling environments.
Kenneth Dam, Global Head of Bunkering at TFG Marine, expressed the company’s commitment to innovation: “TFG Marine is pleased to support innovative technology that can transform traditional maritime activities. We’re constantly looking to improve operational performance and make bunkering services easier with a focus on transparency and reliability through digital solutions.”
Following the successful trial and analysis of results, Skyports, in collaboration with MPA and the tanker community, plans to expand future trials and continue strengthening safety protocols, paving the way for wider adoption of drone technology in port logistics and bunkering operations.
About TFG Marine
TFG Marine is a leading international marine fuel supply and procurement joint venture between physical commodity trading company Trafigura Group Pte and ship owning companies Frontline Ltd and Golden Ocean Group Ltd. Formed in 2020, the company provides modern, simplified and transparent services that bridge every stage of the bunkering process for its customers, supplying over 10 million metric tonnes of marine fuels per annum across 35 strategic bunkering hub locations globally.
About Skyports Drone Services
Skyports Drone Services is the world’s leading drone airline. We are experts in BVLOS flight for delivery and inspection use cases. We partner with maritime and offshore industries, healthcare providers, infrastructure and asset owners, and public bodies to improve connectivity, safety and sustainability with drone operations. Skyports Drone Services is committed to scaling the drone industry to enable businesses and individuals to reap the rewards of drone technology.
Source Skyports Drone Services