D4SPAs

by

Drone for Smart Ports and Anchorages

Summary:

The project aims to develop and deploy a product that consists of a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) with VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) capability equipped with the appropriate sensors (electrochemical-hyperspectral-optical) used to inspect pollution sources (e.g. oil spills, emissions, waste) in a port and in a broader anchorage area. The UAS’s other tasks would be to monitor and detect various illegal activities (e.g. intruder’s detection, marine pollution crime), used for day and night security surveillance tasks, and deployed during emergency situations (e.g. accidents) providing real-time feed from the incident to the appropriate port or other authorities.

The materialization of this project will enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the port operations by correlating with digital transition since we combine the technology of robotics and UAVs along with sensors and intercommunication systems. We aim to provide opportunities to enhance the competitiveness, efficiency and sustainability of medium to large size ports. We focus on monitoring and detecting ecological threats and pollution sources (for ports, harbour and anchorage areas) to push all the involved actors to reduce their impact on marine ecosystems and ultimately their ecological footprint. Lastly, we indirectly reduce waste which is one of the key aspects of circularity.

The provided product can be bought ready-to-fly or it can be offered as a service to clients or port management authorities embracing the digital transformation trends and willing to foster sustainability in their operations.

Project start date: 15 March 2024

Project duration: 30 months

Official Website: https://d4spas.eu/

Phases

EN:

Phase 1 – Analysis of the current state of knowledge and definition of requirements (15/03/2024 – 31/12/2024)

  • Activity 1.1: Analysis of the current state of knowledge in the field of UAV sensor solutions applicable to the monitoring of port areas and offshore platforms (correlated with T2.1) This activity involves presenting a brief description of the D4SPAs project, along with an analysis of current solutions used for sensor integration on UAVs in the context of monitoring port areas and offshore platforms. The current technologies employed in UAVs (such as high-resolution cameras, LIDAR, RADAR, multispectral sensors) are discussed, as well as methods for real-time data transmission and processing. Existing market solutions, recent advancements in the field, current limitations, and emerging trends in UAV systems designed for monitoring and security purposes are also examined.

  • Activity 1.2: Definition of functional and technical requirements (correlated with T2.2 and T2.3) In this activity, the functional and technical requirements for the UAV solution intended for port and offshore platform monitoring are identified. This includes defining performance parameters (e.g., flight autonomy, payload capacity, resistance to adverse weather conditions, and integration of advanced sensors such as LIDAR, RADAR, multispectral cameras). Communication and real-time data transmission requirements to command centers, as well as the power supply needs for UAVs and sensors, will also be specified. Additionally, interoperability conditions between UAVs and port or offshore infrastructure will be established, along with safety requirements to ensure the efficient and secure use of the solution.

Dissemination activities

  • Participation in Hannover Messe 2024 (22-26 Aprilie 2024)

https://beiaro.eu/participation-in-hannover-messe-2024/; https://x.com/beiaconsult/status/1778372809862914238

  • Participation Black Sea Defense & Aerospace (BSDA) 2024 (22-24 Mai 2024) ]n București, la Romaero – Complex Comercial Băneasa
  • ABSTRACT “Innovative UAV Solutions for Pollution Detection and Security Enhancement” accepted (article pending submission) at the 12th Smart Cities International Conference (SCIC) under the theme “Resilient Communities Empowered by Collective Intelligence,” to be held December 4-6, 2024, in Bucharest at SNSPA University.


Phase 2 – System Design, Development, and Integration (01/01/2025 – 31/12/2025)

  • Activity 2.1 – Design and development of IoT modules for monitoring port areas and offshore platforms (correlated with T3.1 and T3.2)

Within this activity, an analysis of stakeholders and their vision regarding the use of UAVs to enhance port security was presented, as well as a SWOT analysis of the five identified tasks that modern ports must fulfill. The stakeholder analysis highlighted the critical need of port operators and maritime authorities for autonomous and scalable solutions that enable continuous environmental monitoring, rapid detection of pollution sources, and improved incident response.

Furthermore, based on the analysis of existing technologies in ports and anchorage areas, and considering the functional specifications as well as the initial technical requirements, the system requirements for the drone were identified. These requirements formed the foundation for the design and construction of the proposed drone system, aimed at addressing the identified gaps and meeting the operational needs of port activities.

  • Activity 2.2 – Integration of system components and prototype development (correlated with T3.3)

This activity involved the integration, assembly, and functional validation of the hardware and software components that make up the UAV system developed within the D4SPAS project. The main objective was to produce a fully functional prototype capable of operating under complex port conditions and fulfilling the monitoring, detection, and response requirements of maritime authorities.

Dissemination

  • Participation in nZEB & Tech Week 2025

BEIA participated in nZEB & Tech Week 2025, held between June 14–15 in Bucharest, Romania. The event served as a dynamic platform dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and technology in the built environment and beyond. During the event, BEIA had the opportunity to disseminate the D4SPAS project.

  • Participation in the Launch Conference of the Project “University Leadership for Knowledge and Technology Transfer (Leadership TT)”

On July 9, 2025, organized by UEFISCDI and the Ministry of Education and Research, and held at Nod Makerspace, Bucharest. During this event, BEIA had the opportunity to disseminate the D4SPAS project.

  • Participation in the Official Launch Event of the Project “Technology Transfer for Sustainable Economic Development – TETRAFEST”

On Thursday, July 10, 2025, BEIA Consult International took part in the official launch event of the project “Technology Transfer for Sustainable Economic Development – TETRAFEST” (Project Code: PN-IV-P7-7.4-FTT-2024-0031), held at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies of the Polytechnic University of Bucharest. During this event, BEIA had the opportunity to disseminate the D4SPAS project.

  • Participation in CYBERSEA 2025 Conference

BEIA participated in this year’s CYBERSEA event, held between July 18–19, 2025 — an important platform focused on cybersecurity in the maritime and energy sectors. During the event, we had the opportunity to disseminate and promote the D4SPAS project.

  • Participation in Advantage Austria’s Autumn Reception

On September 18, 2025, BEIA had the pleasure of attending the traditional Austrian Economy Autumn Reception in Romania, hosted by the Commercial Section of the Austrian Embassy in Bucharest. During the event, BEIA had the opportunity to disseminate the D4SPAS project.

  • Participation in European Researchers’ Night 2025

On September 26, 2025, BEIA participated in the European Researchers’ Night, an event dedicated to bringing science closer to the public. During the event, BEIA showcased several of its innovative projects, including D4SPAS.

  • Participation in EEN2EIC – Capacity Building Event

On October 13, 2025, BEIA took part in the EEN2EIC – Capacity Building event, organized by the Măgurele Science Park (MSP) at BT Stup (Calea Șerban Vodă 206, Bucharest). Through its participation, BEIA disseminated the D4SPAS project.

  • Participation in TETRAFEST 2025 – Technology Transfer Festival

Held between October 9–11, 2025, in Bucharest, the event brought together industry leaders, innovation providers, and technology organizations, creating a dynamic platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. It represented an excellent opportunity to disseminate the D4SPAS project.

  • Participation in the Bucharest Cybersecurity Conference 2025 (BCC2025)

BEIA had the pleasure of participating in the Bucharest Cybersecurity Conference 2025 (BCC2025), held between October 6–9, 2025. The event, organized by the National Cyber Security Directorate (DNSC) with the support of NCC-RO and ANSSI, brought together top experts, institutions, and innovators from across Europe to discuss the latest challenges and advancements in cybersecurity. During the event, the D4SPAS project was disseminated.

Phase 3 – Testing and Validation of the Solution, Coordination, Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation (01/01/2026 – 15/09/2026)

Activity 3.1 – Testing and validation of the sensor solution (correlated with T4.1 and T4.2)
Activity 3.2 – Dissemination of project results (correlated with T1.1, T1.2, T1.3, T5.1)
Activity 3.3 – Identification of end-user needs and the competitive advantages of the D4SPAs solution (correlated with T5.2)

Phase 4 – Reporting of Economic Effects 1 (16/09/2026 – 15/03/2028)

Phase 5 – Reporting of Economic Effects 2 (16/03/2028 – 15/09/2029)