Port of Rotterdam Extends U-space Project by Three Years

The U-space project in the Port of Rotterdam, serving as a prototype for managing unmanned air traffic in low airspace, has been extended by three years. The Maasvlakte/Europoort area, classified as G airspace, will remain the location for this innovative approach. This allows drone operators with an operational authorization to request access to flight zones in the port via a dedicated web app.

Efficient Application Process via Web App

The web app plays a central role in the flight zone application process. When an operator submits a request, it is processed immediately. If no conflicts with other operators exist, permission is granted instantly. In cases of overlap, the UTM system suggests alternative times or areas.

If adjustments are not possible due to client demands, the Airspace Centre acts as a mediator to find a solution. So far, workable solutions have always been found, thanks to the Airspace Centre’s role in “pre-flight area deconfliction.” Soon, users will be contacted to discuss their experiences and help improve the application and procedures further.

The number of drone operators active in the port with operational authorization for the Specific category continues to grow, as does the number of flight zone requests. This increasing demand is one of the reasons for extending the U-space project. At the same time, more time is needed to establish digital integrations between UTM and operators. These integrations aim to eventually replace the web app, providing operators with real-time access to all flight traffic information. Additionally, the project serves as a catalyst for further developments in drone traffic management in the port.

Research Report and Risk Assessment

A key development within the project is the preparation of a report by the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Airhub. This report examines the role of the port authority in the future U-space area, providing insights and recommendations for how this role might evolve. The Port Authority’s management will use the report to make strategic decisions about the involvement of a local authority, such as a port authority, in airspace management.

Another significant aspect of the extended U-space project is a trial Airspace Risk Assessment conducted in collaboration with the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT). This trial aims to clarify the risks of high drone traffic density in the port and how these risks can be effectively mitigated, especially in high-risk areas. For the official application of a U-space area, a detailed Airspace Risk Assessment will be required. The trial provides valuable guidance for carrying out such an assessment.

The “fictitious designation process” will generate critical knowledge about the administrative and legal aspects of designating U-space airspace, whether in a port or urban area. This process involves collaboration among the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW), the City of Amsterdam, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the Province of South Holland, and Airhub.

Detection Systems and Encounter Rates

To gain a comprehensive overview of unmanned air traffic above the port, various detection systems, such as those provided by Senhive, are being tested to detect unregistered flights. This is crucial for enforcing rules within the Open category, understanding interactions between manned and unmanned aviation, and eventually automating flight deconfliction.

The Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) combines sensor data with its own manned traffic data to calculate “encounter rates”—the likelihood of drones and manned aircraft encountering each other in the low airspace above the port. These calculations will also be vital for designing U-space.

Outlook and Priority Rules

Although no formal decision has been made about implementing U-space in the Port of Rotterdam, the continuation of the prototype project ensures active preparation. In the coming period, priority rules will be developed for flights with urgent purposes, such as search-and-rescue operations and emergencies. These priority rules will also be integrated into technical and procedural frameworks, with further details to follow soon.