The drones will be used to perform beyond visual line of sight operations and will assist with border control, search & rescue, pollution monitoring, as well as the detection of illegal fishing and drug and people trafficking.
The use of this technology is growing in the maritime sector. For instance, in February certification body DNV GL revealed that it has started to use camera-equipped drones to improve vessel inspections.
As part of the contract, Martek will provide drones, long-range antennae, mission control vehicles and pilots and ground crew. Video and drone sensor data will be streamed live to a control centre, to allow EU Member States to make prompt decisions on intervention actions.
The drones being used are compact, making them manoeuvrable in addition to having the ability to start and land vertically from both shore and vessels. Focusing on short range operations, the machines will be equipped with sensors designed for maritime surveillance, and will be able to withstand storm-force wind and heavy rain, snow and salt spray.
During this year, the company aims to develop drone technology even further, said Martek Group chief executive Paul Luen, without elaborating on any specific plans.
Martek secured a €10 million (£8.6 million) contract from EMSA for ship engine emission monitoring using drones in November 2016. Martek’s sister company Coptrz provided consultancy on both contracts.
The group, which was established in 2000, employs more than 70 staff worldwide.