Belgium – Flight control software development services – Raamovereenkomst voor de operationele dronecapaciteit voor Port of Antwerp-Bruges

Port of Antwerp-Bruges (POAB) has used an operational drone-as-a-service (DAAS) network in recent years to support various operational processes in the port area. The current agreement for this drone network is expiring, leading POAB to seek a new partner that can provide DAAS and execute drone innovation projects on a project basis. The DAAS contract comprises two components: on the one hand, Drone Flight Services, where the contractor is responsible for the full flight execution by certified pilots, including mission support and data acquisition, and on the other hand, Drone Hardware-as-a-Service, where drone platforms and sensors are provided for use by the contractor's pilots, including maintenance and technical support. Both components will be procured jointly according to operational needs. This modular approach offers the contracting authority maximum flexibility regarding the service provision and hardware/software provisions, which can evolve in line with technological developments. This DAAS contract combines an integrated service provision, where automated drones are deployed to support various operational applications within the port platforms of Antwerp and Zeebrugge. In addition to DAAS, POAB also wants to explore and validate innovative drone technologies and new use cases within the term of the agreement. The DAAS contract is offered as a service model for the duration of the new agreement, the innovation projects will be executed on a project basis.