Drone Surveillance System to Advance Danish Port Security

Danish company AirPlate is collaborating with Port of Hirtshals on a strategic pilot project to integrate an advanced drone surveillance system and enhance port security.

Between February and May, the port is conducting a pilot test of AirPlate’s drone surveillance system to enhance security in the airspace above its facilities.

AirPlate offers a drone detection solution developed in Odense, Denmark, which identifies the position, route, and pilot-related data about drones in real time. This enables system users to respond effectively to potential security threats.

Michael R. Langballe, Head of Transport & Logistics and Port Security Officer at Port of Hirtshals, commented, “Port security requirements are constantly evolving, and we must evolve with them. Port facility security has traditionally focused on land and water areas, but there are also increasing requirements for areas such as cybersecurity. Therefore, it may not be unrealistic to expect that the authorities will soon introduce stricter regulations for securing airspace as well.

“Our collaboration with AirPlate provides us with a unique opportunity to test an advanced surveillance system here at Port of Hirtshals. The pilot project has been running for just over a month, and the system has already detected several drone flights. This reinforces the need for us to maintain a strong dialogue with drone operators in the area.”

August Mader, AirPlate CEO, also stated, “The first drone was detected by the system a few hours after we installed the sensors. It was incredible to see the technology delivering value so quickly. We see Port of Hirtshals as a strong case where our technology can play a key role in protecting and documenting drone activity in the airspace over port facilities. Our goal is to assist even more companies in the critical infrastructure sector in managing drone-related threats and to become a long-term partner in strengthening the security efforts at Port of Hirtshals.”