Use of drones to detect chemical spills at sea set to go on trial

MPA to test how the machines can be used to mitigate spread of flammable, toxic fumes

- Vanessa Paige Chelvan Correspondent

The use of drones to detect and respond to chemical spills at sea will be trialled by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) from the second quarter of 2025.

The trial will test how drones can be used to mitigate the spread of flammable, toxic fumes, which are characteristic of methanol and ammonia — two emerging marine fuels.

Thanks to advancements in drone technology, unmanned machines have the potential to improve efficiency and safety, while reducing reliance on fuel- and labour-intensive processes, Senior Minister of State for Transport Amy Khor said on March 25.

Speaking at a conference on digitalisation and decarbonisation during Singapore Maritime Week, Dr Khor said MPA will trial "new drone capabilities, including coordinated drone operations" to contain the spread of poisonous and combustible gases.

The trial will explore how drones can be deployed in the maritime context for "routine surveillance and anomaly detection", MPA told The Straits Times.

This will help it to intervene early in case of an incident at sea, it added.

MPA has previously tested drones equipped with a methanol detector, an infrared camera which detects heat signatures and plume-modelling capabilities to help it detect methanol leaks during a methanol bunkering, or refuelling, operation.

When asked, MPA did not disclose what new capabilities it plans to test in 2025.

Methanol, a clear liquid, is highly flammable. It burns relatively cleanly, producing little to no visible smoke, making it difficult to detect with the naked eye.