Transport of (petro)chemical analysis samples via drones

March 29, 2023

By ADLC

Projects
(Petro)chemical

Intro

SGS, ADLC and BASF Antwerp are joining forces to transport (petro)chemical analysis samples in the port of Antwerp using drones. With this innovative project, the strategic partners aim to make port operations more efficient and reduce the environmental impact of transporting analysis samples. Today some test flights were successfully carried out on the BASF Antwerp premises.

Groundbreaking

Partners SGS, ADLC and BASF Antwerp announce the innovative project Samplifly: a drone transport service for (petro)chemical analysis samples in the Port of Antwerp. With this project, SGS succeeds in making its testing and inspection services future-oriented and sustainable. Drone operator ADLC performs the drone flights for Samplifly. The project has added value in terms of efficiency for BASF Antwerp, which continuously strives to improve its production and service processes.

Impactful

(Petro)chemical analysis samples from ships are currently transported to laboratories for further analysis by road. This is very time-consuming and creates significant CO2 emissions. By transporting these analysis samples by air with drones, the three partners are collaborating on a sustainable solution. Air transport reduces CO2 emissions by as much as 80% and is up to 4x faster. This involves drone flights over longer distances (up to 40 km) and is fully computer-controlled from a control room, out of the pilot's field of vision.

Strong collaboration

The collaboration of the three parties makes it possible to meet the complex technical and regulatory challenges of the Samplifly project. The partnership combines ADLC's drone expertise, SGS's expertise in testing, inspections, handling of dangerous products and emergency response activities, and the importance BASF Antwerp attaches to safe transport of its samples. This form of logistical drone flights for hazardous products in an industrial environment is a first in Europe. The flights are subject to the strictest safety requirements imposed by (inter)national aviation regulations.

Conclusion

Today, some preliminary BVLOS test flights (beyond visual line of sight) were successfully carried out on BASF premises in the port of Antwerp. With these tests, SGS continues to build on sustainable, safe and efficient transport of (petro)chemical analysis samples in the coming months.

Quote

"The cooperation with the start-up ADLC and with our long-standing customer BASF plays an important role in bringing together a business model that benefits all parties."