SAMPLIFLY

Today, wet cargo ships arriving in port need to verify their cargo’s composition before unloading can begin. Once a ship has docked, an SGS inspector gathers several samples of its cargo. Then, these samples are sent to an SGS laboratory where the analysis can be performed. Until now, all samples have been transported by road.

The road transportation companies currently employed to transport samples use regular vans. Unavoidably, these companies face daily issues such as traffic congestion, bridge openings or natural barriers. This can significantly increase lead times and transport duration directly impacting SGS’s operations. Moreover, road transport contributes to high NOx and CO₂ emissions within the port.

SGS’s use of drones will provide a transportation service that will be up to six times faster, more ecological by reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 80% (full life cycle included) and more integrated with real-time information. Consequently, ships will be able to unload quicker than before, freeing up valuable dock-time.

To run the SAMPLIFLY proof of concept, a strategic partnership has been established between ADLC, SGS and BASF. The unique combination of ADLC’s drone expertise, SGS’s testing and inspection expertise and BASF’s chemical expertise, enables us to address the SAMPLIFLY project’s complex technical and regulatory challenges.