Skyports Drone Services has launched its new maritime demonstrator, BlueWater 2, to explore how drone technology can reduce emissions and improve efficiency across UK ports and waters. The project, backed by Innovate UK, brings together leading maritime and aviation partners to support the country’s clean shipping agenda.
Skyports Drone Services has begun operations for its latest clean maritime initiative, “BlueWater 2”, a drone demonstrator project designed to showcase how uncrewed systems can support the UK’s transition to low-emission shipping.
The project, supported by Innovate UK and UK SHORE’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition 6, will test drones across four key use cases: emissions monitoring, offshore drone delivery, long-range maritime surveillance, and automated port surveillance. Each trial is aimed at demonstrating how drones can contribute to smarter, greener, and more efficient port and vessel operations.
“Shipping related emissions are projected to reach 17% of global total emissions by 2050 if left unchecked,” said Alex Brown, CEO of Skyports Drone Services. “BlueWater 2 addresses this key challenge with a scalable solution: low-emission electric and hybrid drones that reduce reliance on fuel and emissions intensive systems.”
The first phase, which runs through late 2025 and early 2026, includes operations at Portsmouth International Port and other UK coastal sites. Drones will measure ship emissions in real time, deliver payloads to moving vessels, and conduct automated security and environmental monitoring. In partnership with the Maritime and Coastguard Authority, Skyports will also carry out long-range surveillance flights from Lydd airfield to demonstrate drone-assisted coastal patrols.
BlueWater 2 brings together an experienced consortium of partners, including Consortiq and Stehr Consulting, both specialists in drone operations and maritime systems. “BlueWater 2 represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking collaboration that drives meaningful progress in the drone and maritime sectors,” said Bryce Allcorn, Chief Operating Officer of Consortiq. “Our role is to ensure that innovative drone concepts like these translate into practical, scalable solutions.”
Ashley Stehr, Director of Stehr Consulting, added: “Integrating advanced drone technologies is key to unlocking smarter, greener shipping and delivering real-world impact for ports, operators, and the wider maritime ecosystem.”
Building on the success of the first BlueWater project earlier this year, BlueWater 2 is part of a growing effort by UK SHORE to decarbonise transport and strengthen the nation’s position in green maritime innovation. For Skyports, it marks another step toward proving the operational value of drones in modern port and ocean management.
