South Korean drone solution provider Doosan Mobility Innovation established a partnership with maritime ICT company Marineworks. The two companies will collaborate to develop safe voyage solutions through using hydrogen fuel cell drone technology.
After signing a memorandum of understanding with Marineworks, Doosan Mobility agreed to develop the smart ship solutions. Under the agreement, the two companies will collaborate for the advancement of safe ship operations using hydrogen drones. The hydrogen fuel cell drones will provide image and video collection and examination for the ship’s digital chart master. According to the technology company, hydrogen drones can fly and collect data for more than two hours.
“Drones are easier to operate than helicopters, so they are very useful in the ocean,” said Doosan Mobility’s chief executive Lee Doo-sun. “We will contribute to the safe and efficient operation of ships by loading Marineworks’ marine control technology into hydrogen drones that can fly for a long time.”
The electric marine chart system developed by the two companies will equip ships with precautionary measures. The system can detect unauthorized ships that bypassed the radars. By using real-time monitoring, the hydrogen drones can detect illegal activity without delay, allowing ships to perform safety protocols promptly.
In addition, Jeju marine police utilizes hydrogen drones for rescue missions, flying in cooperation with coast guards to locate and rescue people. The hydrogen drones can perform better than conventional battery-powered ones, making it easier for coast guards to perform marine missions.
Doosan Mobility in the overseas hydrogen drone market
Doosan Mobility designed the hydrogen fuel cell drones to have stronger protection against winds and extended flight life. Unlike typical multi-copter drones, hydrogen drones have the potential to transform the global market for autonomous flying applications. The drone provider said they promote the use of hydrogen drones for security, military use, emergency response, patrols, and deliveries.
Last year, Doosan Mobility Korea announced they would be introducing their drone Fuel Cell powerpacks to overseas markets. The fuel cell provider signed a deal with Korea Electric Power Research Institute, a subsidiary of Korea Electric Power Corp. Based on the deal, both companies will use their technologies and power cable checking systems for the hydrogen drones.
