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Skyports launches maritime drone deliveries in Michigan

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.”

Mark W. Barker bulker completes sea trails and is operational with Thordon Bearings’ robust RiverTough Bearing

Mark W. Barker, the first new U.S flagged Great Lakes bulker in almost 40 years, has successfully completed sea trials and will now begin trading throughout the freshwater lakes and river networks, with oil-free propeller shaft bearings from Thordon Bearings. Built in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, United States of America (USA), by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (Fincantieri Marine Group) for The Interlake Steamship Company, Thordon Bearings’ scope of supply includes a water lubricated RiverTough bearing, Nickel-Chromium-Boron (NCB) alloy liner for a propeller shaft diameter of 445 mm (17.5 in), and two Thordon Water Quality Packages. RiverTough Bearing for Mark W. Barker bulker Advanced Sealing Technology worked with the ship owner to get the RiverTough package specified Thordon Bearings’ authorised distributor in Ohio, USA, Advanced Sealing Technology worked with the ship owner to get the RiverTough package specified. Designed to transport salt, iron ore, stone, and other bulk cargoes throughout some of the narrowest rivers in North America’s Great Lakes region, including the tight bends of the Cuyahoga River, the single screw Mark W. Barker is the 6th Interlake Steamship vessel that Thordon Bearings’ proprietary polymer bearings have been installed. Propeller shaft bearings “Interlake has had a lot of success with our propeller shaft bearings,” said Jason Perry, Thordon Bearings’ Regional Manager - North America, adding “Their vessels operate in some of the region’s narrowest, shallowest waterways, which means vessels are unable to turn and instead must reverse using bow and tunnel thrusters. When operating at lower shaft speeds, the RiverTough polymer formulation reduces friction and bearing wear. The material can also withstand operations in highly abrasive, very sandy environments.” Wear rates for RiverTough Bearing are typically less than half that of rubber bearings, based on ship owner feedback. Offering increased resilience, easier shaft alignment and less edge loading, lubricants in the polymer material reduce friction levels during nearly-dry starts, significantly eliminating stick-slip and vibration at low shaft speeds. Results from ship owners have shown wear rates of 0.075 mm to 0.100 mm (0.003 in to 0.004 in) in 6000 to 7000 hours of annual use. Interlake Steamship Company - Thordon partnership Commenting on The Interlake Steamship Company’s long-term relationship with Thordon Bearings, Ian Sharp, the Director of Fleet Projects at The Interlake Steamship Company, said “From the outset, Thordon always responds quickly to our requirements with its bearing expertise, technical know-how and customer service. Having multiple RiverTough bearings in operation with proven reliability, made it a very simple decision to choose the same Thordon bearing for our new ship.” The 28,000dwt River-class bulker is powered by a pair of 400HP main engines With a hull optimised for energy efficiency, the 28,000dwt River-class bulker is powered by a pair of 400HP main engines, driving a single controllable pitch propeller through twin-input, single out-put reduction gearbox. It is the first ship to operate on the Great Lakes with engines that meet EPA Tier 4 emissions standards. EPA Tier 4 standards EPA Tier 4 standards entered into force in January 2017, requiring marine engines rated at 600kW and above to be fitted with technologies capable of significantly reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM). Craig Carter, the Vice President of Business Development at Thordon Bearings, said “Mark W. Barker is truly a milestone ship for Interlake and we are proud to be associated with what is arguably one of the most advanced, energy efficient self-unloading bulkers, to operate on the Great Lakes.” Craig Carter adds, “Our relationship with Interlake Steamship and Bay Shipbuilding dates back to 1998, when we installed propeller shaft bearings to the 25,000dwt Kaye E. Barker. Since then, we have enjoyed a very productive, collaborative relationship with both owner and yard and look forward to working together on future projects.”

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