International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD)

Volume 9 Issue 3, May-Jun 2025 Available Online: www.ijtsrd.com e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470

Drones in Maritime Industry

Matthew N. O. Sadiku1, Paul A. Adekunte2, Janet O. Sadiku3
1
Roy G. Perry College of Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX, USA
2
International Institute of Professional Security, Lagos, Nigeria
3
Juliana King University, Houston, TX, USA

ABSTRACT How to cite this paper: Matthew N. O.

Drones are remotely or autonomously controlled aircrafts that operate Sadiku | Paul A. Adekunte | Janet O.
without a pilot. In the maritime industry, drones have found their Sadiku "Drones in Maritime Industry"
place to provide an important function in the areas of deliveries, Published in
International Journal
inspections of ships, and safeguarding national security. Drones are
of Trend in
increasingly used in the maritime industry for a variety of tasks, Scientific Research
including inspection, security, search and rescue, and environmental and Development
monitoring. The maritime industry and Navy deploy maritime drones (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-
for patrol, reconnaissance, and surveillance. Drone technologies will 6470, Volume-9 | IJTSRD97093
significantly enhance safety and security in and around ports. Drones Issue-3, June 2025,
are already solving some of shipping’s greatest inspection challenges pp.1027-1036, URL:
at sea. This paper examines the various uses of drones in the www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd97093.pdf
maritime industry.
Copyright © 2025 by author (s) and
KEYWORDS: drones, unmanned aircrafts, unmanned aerial vehicles International Journal of Trend in
(UAVs), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), maritime industry Scientific Research and Development
Journal. This is an
Open Access article
distributed under the
terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution License (CC BY 4.0)
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)

INTRODUCTION
The maritime industry, a global linchpin for trade and players gaining traction and carving-out their area of
economic prosperity, faces a confluence of specialization. Key factors driving this include cross-
challenges: soaring operational costs, escalating industry, emphasis on maritime surveillance,
safety concerns, increasingly complex regulatory maritime research and biodiversity, oceanography,
landscapes, and the ever-present threat of malicious cargo and oil rig inspection, drug interdiction,
actors. Amidst these challenges, a technological deterring piracy and smuggling activities, etc. Drones
marvel is emerging as a potent force for within the maritime domain require maintaining
transformation: the drone or unmanned aerial vehicle hovering stability, ability to withstand extreme wind
(UAV). Drones do not require a pilot and are often resistance, adapting to rapidly changing
operated remotely. Their development results from environmental/climatic change, and other challenges
the integration of various technologies, including that make them distinct from land applications [2].
aviation, information, network communication, cloud
Autonomous systems across all environments
computing, power, artificial intelligence, and flight
(surface, underwater, ground, and air) have a huge
control. They are rapidly reshaping maritime
role to play at ports. Introducing drones at ports in a
operations, enhancing efficiency, bolstering security,
safe, scalable “test and development area” model can
and promoting sustainability in ways previously
bring significant benefits in terms of safety and
unimaginable [1]. The integration of drones is no
efficiency of port operations and profitability. Other
longer a futuristic concept; it is a practical reality,
applications are connecting multimodal transport
impacting nearly every facet of maritime operations. links, environmental, security and customs
World nations are building fleets of unmanned enforcement, search and rescue operations, and
robotic boats to perform missions above, on, and maintaining and repairing both shipping and port
under the water. The competition in the maritime assets [3].
drone market has become intense, with several key

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
WHAT IS A DRONE?  Micro Drone: 100-150 mm
At least three terms are used to describe drones,  Small Drone: 150-250 mm
depending on how they are operated. The terms  Medium Drone: 250-400 mm
include Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs),  Large Drone: 400+ mm
Unpiloted Aircraft System (UAS), and Remote One of the emerging trends in drone use for factories
Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). The FAA defines is the utilization of LiDAR technology. LiDAR stands
drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles for Light Detection and Ranging. This technology
(UAVs), as any aircraft system without a flight crew provides accurate depth information essential for
onboard. Drones include flying, floating, and other understanding the three-dimensional structure of the
devices, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), environment. LiDAR sensors emit laser beams to
that can fly independently along set routes using an measure distances to objects, creating high-resolution
onboard computer or follow commands transmitted 3D maps of the surrounding terrain and objects. The
remotely by a pilot on the ground. A typical drone is ability to capture detailed data through LiDAR
shown in Figure 1 [4]. A drone is usually controlled technology has opened up opportunities for better
remotely by a human pilot on the ground, as typically predictive maintenance, reduction in inspection times,
shown in Figure 2 [4]. Drones can range in size from and overall cost savings [7].
large military drones to smaller drones. Drones,
previously used for military purposes, have started to MARITIME DRONES
be used for civilian purposes since the 2000s. Since “Maritime drone” is a general term that refers to
then, drones have continued to be used in intelligence, remotely controlled tools used in the maritime
aerial surveillance, search and rescue, reconnaissance, industry. It includes flying unmanned aerial vehicles
and offensive missions as part of the military Internet (UAVs) and remotely operated vehicles that can
of things (IoT). Today, drones are used for different move through the water. Maritime drones, also
purposes such as aerial photography, surveillance, known as sea drones, have emerged as invaluable
agriculture, entertainment, healthcare, transportation, assets in various maritime operations. A maritime
law enforcement, etc. drone is an UAV designed specifically to operate over
or under water. What sets maritime drones apart from
Drones work much like other modes of air traditional drones is their durability and specialized
transportation, such as helicopters and airplanes. features. Equipped with advanced GPS and
When the engine is turned on, it starts up, and the gyroscopes, they fly steadily over vast water bodies,
propellers rotate to enable flight. The motors spin the making them perfect for marine surveillance,
propellers and the propellers push against the air research, and search and rescue missions. A typical
molecules downward, which pulls the drone upwards. maritime drone is shown in Figure 3 [8].
Once the drone is flying, it is able to move forward,
back, left, and right by spinning each of the propellers Maritime drones operate in many environments that
at a different speed. Then, the pilot uses the remote are confined, tough to navigate, and dangerous for
control to direct its flight from the ground [5], crewed inspections or missions. They also help save
time on the work it takes to inspect and monitor
Drone laws exist to ensure a high level of safety in conditions when sending people into unknown
the skies, especially near sensitive areas like airports. situations. From maritime surveillance and search and
They also aim to address privacy concerns that arise rescue missions to surveys and inspections, drones
when camera drones fly in residential areas. These have become an invaluable asset for both
include the requirement to keep your drone within professionals and enthusiasts.
sight at all times when airborne. In the United States,
drones weighing less than 250g are exempt from TYPES OF MARITIME DRONES
registration with civil aviation authorities. If your Choosing a maritime drone will ultimately determine
drone exceeds 250g in weight, you will also require a whether your intended applications are indoor or
Flyer ID, which requires passing a test [6]. It is outdoor. Figure 4 shows a typical indoor maritime
necessary to register as an operator, be trained as a drone [9], while Figure 5 shows a typical outdoor
pilot, and have civil liability insurance, in addition to drone [3]. Everybody knows about flying drones, but
complying with various flight regulations, and those there are also swimming and diving drones that patrol
of the places where their use is permitted. ports and ships, demine shores, and so on. There are
unique drones created to achieve very specific goals.
Most drones have a limited payload, usually under 11 Thus, there are different types of drones for maritime
pounds. Drones are classified according to their size. use. They include the following [10,11]:
Here are the different drone types:  Surface Drones: Surface drones, also known as
 Nano Drone: 80-100 mm boat drones, have become a staple in maritime

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applications. These unmanned watercraft are built making”; “resilience, connectivity, and real time
to glide gracefully on the water's surface, offering awareness”) but provides little granular detail
versatility in various tasks. They often come about the differential utility of unmanned systems
equipped with advanced remote control systems, across mission and warfare areas. Drones play a
enabling precise maneuvering and seamless crucial role in enhancing operations for the Coast
operation even from a distance. Guard and maritime security.
 Underwater Drones: Underwater drones have APPLICATIONS OF MARITIME DRONES
taken exploration to new depths. These Maritime drones have opened up a myriad of
submersible marvels, also referred to as applications, ranging from surveillance and search-
submaritime drones, are tailor-made for marine and-rescue missions to marine inspections and
surveying, inspection, and environmental surveying. Drone applications have become
research. Armed with high-resolution cameras increasingly significant in maritime transport,
and sensors, they provide valuable insights into including ship inspections, marine life monitoring,
marine ecosystems, shipwrecks, and underwater search and rescue operations, and environmental
structures that were once difficult to access. assessments. Common areas of applications include
 Hybrid Drones: These drones combine the the following [8,10,11,13]:
capabilities of both surface and underwater  Ship Delivery: With the continuous growth of
drones, making them versatile tools for maritime global trade, ships play a vital role in maritime
exploration and research. These drones can transport. Operating ships is expensive, and
seamlessly transition between operating on the stopping at ports for parts, important documents,
water's surface and submerging beneath, offering or other essential resources costs time and money.
users a comprehensive view of both worlds. There are also boat delivery services that go out
 Airborne Drones: While airborne drones are not to the ship but still cost thousands of dollars. The
directly associated with the maritime ability to assess the interior of a ship before
environment, they play a significant role in sending in firefighters allows responders to
supporting maritime operations. Equipped with understand if it is safe to enter and what areas of
long-range capabilities and high-resolution the ship to target to suppress and eliminate any
cameras, airborne drones are used for aerial remaining threats. With drones already in use for
surveillance of maritime activities, coastal land deliveries, it only makes sense that drones
monitoring, and search and rescue missions. would be a less expensive and practical option for
maritime deliveries. The concept of aerial drone
 Medical Drones: When an incident occurs at sea, inspections is simple: fly a drone around, and
it is a challenging task to transport injured record the flight.
individuals from sea to somewhere safe,
particularly during undersea rescue operations.  Maritime Surveillance: Maritime patrol drones
Conventional transportation methods are often have become a game-changer in enhancing
time-consuming and not conducive to prompt security and monitoring vast stretches of the
treatment. Employing medical drones for ocean. Equipped with high-resolution cameras
transportation purposes can serve as an efficient and infrared sensors, these drones aid in detecting
alternative to traditional ship transport. illegal activities, such as smuggling and
unauthorized fishing, ensuring the safety and
 Naval Drones: Naval UAV provide tactical security of maritime borders and waters. Drones
situational awareness and ISR (intelligence, have proven to be highly effective in monitoring
surveillance and reconnaissance) to navy vessels the perimeter of ports, swiftly detecting any
and fleets. They may be able to network with unauthorized access attempts or suspicious
other naval assets such as USV (unmanned activities. This enables security personnel to
surface vessels) and AUV (autonomous respond promptly to potential threats, preventing
underwater vehicles) to provide a multi-domain incidents before they occur. Drones can monitor
capability that can share information. The size maritime borders, patrol ports, and deter illegal
comparison of UAV and USV is made in Figure 6 activities like drug trafficking and piracy. They
[12]. The main successes of the Ukrainian efforts can also be used for surveillance of vessels,
against the Russian overwhelming presence at sea identifying threats, and providing real-time data
were caused by missiles as much as from USVs. to authorities.
The Navy has promised all the right things
(“faster, scalable, and distributed decision-  Maritime Security: This is a peacetime endeavor,
conducted in congested sea space among

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civilians. It refers to constabulary functions such  Asset Management: Drones can be employed for
as protecting commerce from terrorists and pirates asset management and inventory control in ports.
and preventing illegal behavior such as arms Equipped with high-quality imaging capabilities,
smuggling and drug running. In such operations, drones assist in monitoring the flow of goods in
small and medium unmanned surface vessels and out of port, mitigating the likelihood of lost
could technically conduct surveillance, issue or misplaced shipments.
warnings, or engage threats with small-caliber
 Drug Trafficking: Maritime drones play a critical,
weapons while under remote human control.
front-end role in drug interdiction to scope-out the
 Surveying and Inspections: Inspecting the inside activities of the bad guys, without putting patrol
of large maritime cranes is expensive, time- agents in dangerous situations. Drug traffickers
consuming, and physically demanding work. are using evolving technology including semi-
Drones can perform routine inspections of ships, submersibles, narco torpedoes, and full
ports, and infrastructure, reducing the need for submarines to support their illegal activities. This
personnel to work at heights or in hazardous puts a greater burden on the Coast Guard and
environments. Vessel inspections are crucial to other organizations to keep pace to outmaneuver
ensure their safety and seaworthiness. Drones can and outwit the bad guys.
aid in inspecting and surveying hard-to-reach
 Marine Communications: While the existing
areas, such as crane arms, cargo stacks, and roofs,
marine infrastructure generally meets the
identifying potential safety hazards such as cracks
communication needs of the shipping industry,
or corrosion. They offer the advantage of
there are occasions where shore-based wireless
conducting inspections even in challenging
communication facilities may fall short,
weather conditions. The use of drones for
particularly during emergencies. In such cases,
maritime surveying and inspections has
drones offer an effective solution to enhancing the
significantly streamlined these processes. Drones
quality of wireless communication. In marine
equipped with high-resolution cameras and
communications, drones are mainly applied as
LiDAR technology can capture detailed images
communication relay nodes. By being operated at
and collect data on maritime infrastructure, such
high altitudes, drones can provide extended
as ports, bridges, and offshore platforms. These
coverage and establish a reliable communication
inspections are conducted safely and efficiently,
network between ships and between ships and the
reducing costs and minimizing human risk.
shore. This capability ensures that communication
 Marine Search and Rescue: The existing remains uninterrupted, even in remote or
applications of drones in marine rescue challenging environments.
encompass searching for rescue targets, delivering
 Military Applications: Drones have become an
supplies, and path planning for search operations.
integral part of military and naval operations.
Drones are deployed far quicker and cheaper than
They are used for surveillance, reconnaissance,
traditional search vehicles like helicopters. In the
and intelligence gathering purposes. Military
event of a marine accident, the primary focus is
drones provide real-time aerial imagery, video
on rescuing survivors. Extensive research has
footage, and sensor data, helping armed forces
demonstrated that drones can play a crucial role in
monitor enemy activities, identify targets, and
this regard by swiftly identifying and relaying the
assess battlefield conditions. They can also be
precise locations of survivors to command
equipped with weapons for offensive operations.
centers. Drone technology has been integrated
Surveillance is a fundamental aspect of military
into marine rescue platforms, successfully
strategies, and drones excel in this domain. In
locating and planning paths to rescue targets. The
addition to surveillance and reconnaissance,
three main types of UAVs used in marine rescue
drones play a crucial role in intelligence
are maritime search and rescue UAVs, high-
gathering.
endurance UAVs, and ground-effect UAVs.
Drones can quickly locate missing persons or  Anti-Piracy Applications: Drones can be used to
objects at sea, and can even deliver life-saving detect pirates in the same way they are used to
equipment to those in need. Speed and efficiency look for ice floes. They are increasingly employed
are important considerations in this context. If a in maritime security to combat piracy. They
drone can get to difficult-to-reach parts and enhance ship and port security by providing
identify the problem, it can be fixed more quickly. surveillance and monitoring capabilities to detect
and deter unauthorized access or piracy. They can
be used to patrol coastlines and shipping routes,

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monitor suspicious activities, and provide early Drones can cover vast areas in a short amount of
warning systems to prevent pirate attacks. UAV time and are relatively less expensive to maintain
swarm monitoring is emerging as an attractive compared to traditional methods, resulting in
countermeasure that increases the flexibility of substantial cost savings over time. Drone
traditional methods and improves mission inspections require less personnel and resources,
success. Therefore, the integration of drones into which significantly reduces expenses.
maritime security strategies has revolutionized the
 Reduced Risk: Drones can perform dangerous or
fight against piracy.
hazardous tasks that would otherwise require
 Cargo Operations: Drones are being explored for personnel to work in dangerous environments.
cargo operations in maritime settings. They can Drones play a crucial role in addressing the risks
assist in the efficient loading and unloading of associated with maritime transport. The maritime
goods on ships or between ships and shores. They transport industry is facing increasing pressure to
facilitate cargo loading and unloading by mitigate ship emissions for the net zero goal by
providing aerial views and real-time data to the IMO. Drones can provide real-time data and
enhance the precision and efficiency of these visual information, helping to improve situational
operations. They help monitor and guide the awareness and safety.
process, ensuring proper handling and placement
 Increased Efficiency: Drones can complete tasks
of cargo. Drones equipped with lifting
more quickly and with greater precision than
mechanisms or cargo pods can transport small
traditional methods.
packages or supplies, reducing the need for
manual labor and optimizing logistics processes.  Rapid Search and Rescue Operations: In
The utilization of drones in cargo operations emergency situations, time is of the essence.
brings numerous benefits to the maritime Maritime drones can swiftly cover large expanses
industry. Drones offer increased flexibility and of water, expediting search and rescue operations.
adaptability compared to traditional methods. Their ability to reach remote or hazardous
locations ensures a quicker response, potentially
BENEFITS
saving lives.
A major benefit is the scaling up of drone usage in
shore-ship deliveries and remote ship inspections,  Navigational Assistance: Drones support
which increases industry productivity while navigational operations by providing enhanced
improving safety. Drones excel at covering vast areas situational awareness, particularly in challenging
of water efficiently, making them a valuable asset for environments such as congested ports, narrow
monitoring the health of marine ecosystems. They channels, or ice-covered waters. They identify
offer advantages like increased safety, efficiency, and obstacles, other vessels, and hazards in real-time,
cost-effectiveness in these applications. Drone assisting navigators in making informed decisions
deliveries can reduce cost, time, and CO2 emissions. to avoid collisions.
Other benefits of utilizing drone technology in the  Efficient Surveys and Inspections: Traditional
maritime sector include the following [10]: maritime surveys and inspections can be time-
 Enhanced Safety: One of the most significant consuming and costly. However, with the aid of
advantages of maritime drones is their ability to naval UAVs, these tasks can be completed more
perform hazardous tasks without risking human efficiently. Drones equipped with high-resolution
lives. In challenging conditions such as storms or cameras and sensors can capture detailed images
rough seas, sending drones to carry out and videos of vessels, offshore structures, and
inspections, surveillance, or search and rescue coastal areas.
operations proves to be safer and more efficient  Environmental Conservation: Preserving marine
than exposing human personnel to potential ecosystems is a global priority, and maritime
dangers. Drones eliminate risks to people by drones play a crucial role in this endeavor. These
cutting exposure to heights, heavy equipment, and drones facilitate environmental monitoring,
dangerous gasses associated with maritime allowing researchers and conservationists to
inspections and operations. assess water quality, detect oil spills, monitor
 Cost-Effectiveness: Maritime operations often wildlife, and track changes in marine habitats.
involve significant expenses related to manpower  Recreational Use: Beyond professional use,
and equipment. By leveraging drones, the cost drones find their way into the hands of sailing
and complexity associated with traditional enthusiasts. The best drones for sailing offer
monitoring methods can be significantly reduced.

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breathtaking aerial footage of sailing adventures, pre-flight checks. Adhering to these guidelines
capturing unforgettable moments on the water and promotes safe operations. Maritime regulatory
providing a unique perspective for sailors to authorities can utilize the information on technical
relive their experiences. challenges and solutions to develop or update
CHALLENGES regulations and guidelines regarding the use of
As with every technology, there are challenges with drones in maritime transport.
drones that must be addressed. Maritime drones  Safety: One of the key safety concerns is around
present several challenges, including regulatory the “fly-away” scenario, where the pilot loses
frameworks, technical limitations, and public control of the drone. In such a scenario, the drone
acceptance. Maritime environments can be harsh, can fly anywhere and may pose a safety risk to
with strong winds, waves, and salt spray potentially manned aircrafts flying into. In some situations,
impacting drone performance. Regulations regarding the drone may also fly across borders to another
drone operations in maritime areas can vary by country. Therefore, it is important that drone
location and may be complex. Interoperability of operators fly their drone safely and responsibly.
drones from different countries needs to be addressed
 Security: On the security front, many drones’
to ensure effective coordination. Other challenges of
control signals are not encrypted, so hackers can
maritime drones include [11]:
easily take control. Drones can be vulnerable to
 Technical Challenges: The technical challenges theft, hacking, or misuse, which poses a security
of drones in the maritime transport domain are risk to maritime operations. Criminals can use
delineated, encompassing the difficulties in flight spoofing to redirect drones, bypass return-to-base,
control, navigation, power, communication, and or even deliberately crash them.
vision systems. Shipping companies and port
CONCLUSION
operators can gain insights into the technical
The world of maritime drones is continuously
challenges and corresponding solutions to
evolving, driven by advancements in technology and
integrate drones effectively into their operations.
the growing demand for efficient and sustainable
 Cost: When it comes to the price of drones for solutions. Drones are quickly becoming ubiquitous
maritime use, it is essential to consider different around ships and harbors as they are harnessed for
types of drones and their respective prices. inspection, environmental concerns, and delivery.
Generally, the prices can range anywhere from They offer a promising solution to enhance safety,
$1,000 to $100,000 or even more, depending on efficiency and cost-effectiveness in port management
the drone's size, capabilities, and intended and maintenance. Drones are used in nations around
applications. As we move up the scale to more the world. Figure 7 shows drone privacy laws around
advanced professional drones designed for the world [10].
scientific research, marine conservation, and
The use of drones in the maritime industry is growing
commercial operations, the costs increase
daily, with specialized contractors offering marine
substantially. Factors that influence the cost of
drone services to assist in inspections, surveys, and
maritime drone services include the type of
general asset management. Drone technology is not
drones used, the complexity of the tasks required,
merely supplementing existing maritime operations; it
the duration of the service, and the location of the
is fundamentally transforming them. Maritime drones
operation. On average, basic maritime drone
are used by ship operators and harbor masters for
services can start from around $500 to $1,000 per
everything from ship and cargo inspection, security,
day.
environmental reconnaissance, and even to supply
 Regulations: Operating maritime drones involves vessels with needed provisions and spare parts. The
adhering to important laws and regulations. In future of drone technology in maritime operations is
many countries, maritime drones must be characterized by ongoing innovation. More
registered with aviation authorities. Countries information about drones in the maritime industry can
have set altitude limits for drone operations to be found in the books in [14,15] and this related
ensure airspace safety. Depending on the purpose journal: Journal of Maritime Science and
of your drone operations, you may need Engineering,
certifications or licenses. Certain areas, such as
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Figure 1 A typical drone [4].

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Figure 2 A drone is usually controlled by operators on the ground [4].

Figure 3 A typical maritime drone [8].

Figure 4 A typical indoor maritime drone [9].

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Figure 5 A typical outdoor drone [3].

Figure 6 The size comparison of UAV and USV [12].

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Figure 7 Drone privacy laws around the world [10].

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