Port of Rotterdam to Explore Legal Aspects of U-space
The implementation of U-space, a system that safely and efficiently integrates unmanned aviation into airspace, presents significant legal challenges in addition to technological ones. The Port of Rotterdam Authority is taking a leading role in examining these aspects. Together with various partners, the authority is engaged in pilot projects and legal processes to explore the conditions for establishing a U-space area.
Airspace Review
A formal U-space area requires an airspace review. This process involves defining protocols and engaging stakeholders, such as the aviation sector and governmental bodies. The Port of Rotterdam Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW), the City of Amsterdam, and Airhub, is working on a trial designation process. This initiative aims to assess how existing procedures can be applied or adjusted for the introduction of U-space.
The trial project seeks to provide insights into the legal and practical aspects of U-space designation. This includes defining the scope of the process and identifying the responsible parties involved in its execution.
Airspace Risk Assessment
Another critical element of U-space implementation is the Airspace Risk Assessment (ARA), which evaluates risks in both airspace and on the ground. The objective is to determine the safety measures needed to integrate manned and unmanned aviation in the port area.
The trial project is being conducted by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT), with support from Eurocontrol. The port authority contributes key inputs, such as risk contours for the storage and transshipment of hazardous materials within the port.
To establish air risk levels, the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) conducts encounter rate analyses on behalf of the port authority and IenW. These analyses calculate the likelihood of conflicts between manned and unmanned aviation using historical manned traffic data for low airspace, supplemented with data from drone detection systems like Aeroscope, Senhive, and Robin Radar.
Incidents involving helicopters unexpectedly flying through low airspace without authorization highlight the need for clear rules and improved compliance. In such cases, a “General Aviation Incident Report” is filed with the ILT, potentially leading to investigations and fines. Additionally, there is a growing need to raise awareness within manned aviation about adhering to new regulations. Flying within U-space airspace requires not only compliance with existing visual flight rules (VFR) but also additional digital visibility.
Data Streams and the Role of CIS
A central component of U-space is the Common Information Services (CIS), which play a key role in information exchange within U-space. In the Netherlands, LVNL (Air Traffic Control the Netherlands) is the preferred candidate to fulfill this role. The CIS provider supplies both static and dynamic data essential for U-space services.
Under the direction of IenW, a consortium of companies is developing the foundational architecture for CIS services. The Port of Rotterdam Authority contributes input for the development and security of data streams. The goal is to ensure the smooth integration of unmanned aviation in the port area without compromising safety or efficiency.
Through these various initiatives, the Port of Rotterdam Authority is making significant strides toward a safe and legally grounded implementation of U-space in the Netherlands.
