Wilson Sons, a leading maritime logistics company with over 187 years of experience, has initiated drone testing at the Port of Salvador to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in port operations. This marks the first use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for vessel deliveries and pickups in Brazil.
The initiative is being carried out in partnership with Speedbird Aero, a specialist in drone logistics solutions, which obtained BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) authorization from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) in 2022. Speedbird Aero already operates internationally in Singapore, a global leader in port innovation.
Innovating Brazil’s Port Sector
According to Flávia Carvalho, Executive Director of Wilson Sons’ Shipping Agency:
“The drone tests are a milestone in innovation for Brazil’s port sector, offering safer, more efficient, and sustainable solutions. Wilson Sons, the oldest shipping agency in Brazil, continues to adapt to change and drive progress in national port infrastructure.”
She emphasized that all necessary authorizations have been secured and that safety remains a top priority for the company.
Pioneering Open Innovation in Logistics
Wilson Sons has actively embraced technological advancements, establishing a dedicated innovation team in 2019. The company:
- Co-founded Cubo Maritime & Port, Latin America’s first maritime and port innovation hub, in 2022.
- Has been ranked as a leader in open innovation in the Transportation and Logistics category for three consecutive years in the 100 Open Startups Ranking (2024).
- It is recognized as one of the 150 most innovative companies in Brazil, as per a PwC survey.
- Ranked among the top transport and logistics companies in the Valor Inovação Brasil Yearbook, based on research conducted by PwC Strategy and Valor Econômico.
Impact on Brazil’s Port and Logistics Industry
The introduction of drones into port operations represents a major technological leap in logistics and maritime efficiency. By reducing the need for traditional delivery methods, drones can:
Improve safety by minimizing risks associated with human-operated vessel deliveries.
Enhance efficiency through faster, more precise deliveries.
Reduce environmental impact by lowering fuel consumption and emissions.
With these advancements, Wilson Sons continues to set benchmarks in innovation, solidifying its role as a leader in maritime logistics and port development in Brazil.
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Source: AJOT
