Skyports Drone Services (Skyports), the pioneer in drone delivery and inspection services for healthcare, maritime, logistics and energy use cases, has been conducting a series of Proof-of-Concept Ship-to-Shore beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flights and deliveries in Michigan’s Great Lakes region.
Conducted in partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) and Newlab, the trial is operating from DeTour, Michigan, and running from May 7th-27th 2025, ferrying cargo to Interlake Steamship vessels.
Benefits of maritime drone deliveries
The process looks to validate the use of drones to increase regular ship deliveries from supply boats
The operation looks to validate the benefits of using drones to supplement regular ship deliveries from supply boats, demonstrating the speed, safety, improved sustainability and cost benefits of maritime drone deliveries. Light cargo such as oil samples, potable water samples, flat & small mail and linens/laundry are being delivered during the trial.
The pilot program aims to validate the technology needed for safe and efficient drone integration in maritime environments. It will generate valuable insights to help inform the regulatory requirements and policy frameworks necessary to scale shore-to-ship drone operations, laying the groundwork for the widespread adoption of drone-based logistics in the region.
Faster cargo delivery and collection
Taking place as part of a wider trial, the initial proof of concept pilot is the first part of a proposed 3 stages, which will demonstrate the feasibility of other high-value use cases for drone deliveries.
During the initial trial, Skyports is operating a Speedbird DLV-2, which has a payload of up to 8.8lbs, and is capable of operating in gusting windspeeds of up to 28mph. To facilitate safer and faster cargo delivery and collection the drone is using winch technology. Descending to approximately 50 feet above the deck of the vessel to where the crew are waiting, the remote pilot deploys the winch, which automatically stops when it detects the payload on the deck.
Results of the trial and applicability to other use cases
Skyports has provided a full end-to-end service, including route planning, regulatory approvals
Once cargo has been delivered/collected, the crew vacates the area to a safe zone, the remote pilot retracts the winch and flies the drone back to base.
Skyports has provided a full end-to-end service, including route planning, regulatory approvals, drone operations and data collection & analysis. The final objective is to provide a report that summarises the results of the trial and applicability to other use cases, targeting permanent commercial operations in the near future.
Understanding of maritime operations
“We first started delivering cargo to ships in Singapore in 2021. Since then, we’ve developed our understanding of maritime operations, and we know which use cases add value for our customers,” said Alex Brown, Director of Drone Services, Skyports.
“This is our first US maritime delivery operation, and we’ll be looking to replicate the success from Singapore and Michigan to other ports around the country. Michigan has created a great innovation environment for advanced air mobility, and we’ll be kicking off several more flight campaigns in the State over the next few months”.
How unmanned aircraft can move critical supplies
"This project proves that Michigan’s greatest natural asset—the Great Lakes—can also be its next mobility testbed,” said Connor McCarthy, AAM Lead at Newlab Detroit. “By teaming up with Skyports, Interlake Steamship, MDOT, and OFME, we’re demonstrating in real time how unmanned aircraft can move critical supplies to working vessels faster, safer, and with a lighter carbon footprint."
"The insights we collect here will help shape policy and infrastructure for scaled drone logistics across the region, solidifying Michigan’s reputation as the premier place to build, test, commercialise, and scale next‑generation drone technologies."
Drone logistics a scalable reality
“This pilot is a crucial step toward making drone logistics a scalable reality. We're testing the tech, gathering insights, and shaping the policies needed to safely integrate drones into maritime operations,” said Justine Johnson, Michigan chief mobility officer and head of the OFME.
“Innovation doesn’t thrive in isolation—it needs the right partnerships, policy support, and real-world testing to succeed. This pilot reflects our commitment to ‘Make it in Michigan’ by creating an ecosystem where new technologies can truly take flight.”
Shipping critical products via AAM
“Advanced aerial mobility and its infrastructure will be transformational in the way we transport goods across cities and regions in a safe, expedient, cost-efficient manner, and our department continues to lead the country in that arena,” said Bradley C. Wieferich, State Transportation Director, MDOT.
“Michigan already has a robust network of aviation infrastructure, and capitalising on that system makes the day when shipping critical products via AAM becomes a routine practice closer than ever.”
Advanced drone capabilities
“Interlake has a strong legacy of innovation and embracing new technologies,” says Brendan O’Connor, COO of Interlake Maritime Services, which operates The Interlake Steamship Company fleet.
“While early, we see advances and potential of where advanced drone capabilities could be of value to our maritime industry and our customers.”
