Intertek has parented with ADPO and Helicus, to successfully launch the first cargo drone route across the Scheldt River in the Port of Antwerp, Belgium. Earlier this summer, Helicus conducted the inaugural flight between ADPO’s terminal and Intertek’s laboratory, marking a major step forward in port logistics. This initiative introduces a faster, more sustainable, and innovative approach to transporting chemical samples, significantly improving safety and efficiency in one of Europe’s busiest industrial hubs.

Typically, the transport time for samples by road is 35 minutes. Now, with the drone flight it’s cut down to under eight minutes.

Key Benefits

  • Independence from local road traffic disruptions (bridges, locks, strikes, trains).
  • Faster turnaround time (TAT) for sample analysis and terminal feedback.
  • Reduced lay time for vessels, faster TAT allows ships to depart sooner, lowering dock costs.
  • Increased availability of surveyors for inspections.
  • Reduced personnel exposure to hazardous products.
  • Lower CO₂ emissions through a sustainable transport alternative.
  • A scalable automatic drone ecosystem within the Port of Antwerp.

This initiative highlights how drones can transform chemical logistics and create a scalable, automated ecosystem for the future.

In a statement, Mikael Shamim, CEO of Helicus said, “drones have the potential to fundamentally change the way critical goods are moved. Partnering with industry leaders like Intertek and ADPO allows us to showcase how drone technology can enhance safety, speed, and sustainability in one of Europe's most important logistics hubs."

Source: Press Release