Puertos del Estado prepares a Guide to support and ensure the safe use of drones in ports

•    32% of Port Authorities already use this technology, mainly for surveillance and inspection tasks, with very positive results

14-07-2025 (Puertos del Estado). Puertos del Estado is preparing a Guide on the use of drones in ports, a joint project with the Port Authorities aimed at providing support and safety for the implementation of this technology in the Spanish state-owned port system.

The Guide, which is expected to be ready before the end of the year, will include sections such as an introduction with context, objectives and benefits of using this technology in port environments; the general regulatory framework to be applied; options to enhance the protection of port airspace; as well as real-world case studies and operational recommendations.

The use of drones is already a reality in many Spanish ports. According to a survey carried out by Puertos del Estado together with Ineco, 32% of Port Authorities use drones for tasks such as perimeter surveillance and security, infrastructure inspection, topographic and surface measurements, emergency management, and water surface monitoring.

The results have been very positive, with a significant improvement in safety, as drones allow access to larger areas and hard-to-reach zones without compromising worker safety. In addition, they enable improved operational efficiency, cost reduction, and greater accuracy in measurements.

With this Guide, Puertos del Estado aims to provide clarity and security in the face of challenges such as complex legislation and associated administrative burdens, as well as to prepare for a technology that is continuously evolving. The goal for 2030 is 100% adoption of drone technology in port environments as part of an integrated digital ecosystem.