Rotterdam Port extends U-space airspace pilot for another three years

The Port of Rottterdam has announced a three-year extension to its U-space airspace pilot. This initiative, led by Ingrid Römers and Niels Kalshoven, “represents a commitment to advancing safe, secure, and scalable drone operations in one of Europe’s largest and most complex ports,” said the port in a Linkedin post.

“We are actively working on a Port perspective to implement drone regulations in collaboration with EASA – European Union Aviation Safety Agency, Eurocontrol, SESAR Joint Undertaking  and several sectors active in the Port’s context.

“The U-Space Airspace prototype in Rotterdam is designed to establish a comprehensive framework for managing drone traffic in low-altitude airspace. This involves Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) systems that monitor and control drone operations, ensuring safe integration with other port activities and manned aviation. The prototype addresses key challenges such as defining airspace roles, setting technical requirements, and balancing safety with opportunities for drone services. This project is also creating a model for collaborative governance by involving stakeholders from authorities, municipalities, and industry, making it a forerunner for other European ports.

At the same time, the Port of Rotterdam and DronePort Rotterdam are strengthening ties with the Antwerp-Bruges and Hamburg ports to form a strategic pact of Europe’s largest ports. “This collaboration aims to demonstrate how drone innovations can be seamlessly integrated into complex operational environments, enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability across interconnected port ecosystems,” says Rotterdam Port. “Together, we are setting new standards for smart ports and the future of autonomous operations.”

“At DronePort Rotterdam, we are excited by the lessons and insights gained from these initiatives. The progress made reaffirms the importance of real-world testing, collaborative governance, and strategic alignment with regulatory frameworks—key elements that drive innovation and set a global standard for smart, safe, and sustainable drone operations. Importantly, these initiatives provide the port perspective needed to effectively implement drone-related regulations and directives in Europe, working closely with key bodies like EASA, Eurocontrol, and Sesar-JU.”