Unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or “drones” in common parlance, are not a part of the historical maritime vocabulary. At least not yet. While the term “drones” may conjure images from science fiction, the reality is that companies are designing commercial UAS for the private sector, and they are gradually permeating our daily life. Henry Ford is rumored to have opined on his invention of the automobile that if he had asked people what they wanted, they would have said “faster horses.” In the case of UAS, they are quickly evolving into a useful maritime business tool due to the innovative opportunities they provide.

From the first merchant vessels that plied the seas, technology in the maritime industry continues to evolve, as witnessed with gradual acceptance and implementation of containerization, Global Positioning System (GPS), and Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). Now, UAS harken yet another new frontier for the maritime industry. Accordingly, UAS may afford the maritime industry a novel approach to cost and time savings, and clients should be poised to harness the potential advantages UAS offer. In other words, in order to survive and evolve, the maritime industry should not search for “faster horses” for everyday maritime endeavors, and UAS provide an evolving list of potential uses in the maritime, energy, shipping, offshore, and ship construction markets.

Originally published in Maritime Reporter on July 18, 2016.