Drones, emerging as a key sector of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, are no longer simply a thing of the past. Drones, once used for defense and agriculture, are now flying over the ocean, making the drone delivery market a reality.

Marine Drone Technology Co., Ltd., which launched Korea's first cargo delivery drone in 2021, introduced its drone delivery platform at the '2023 Drone Show Korea' and took the lead in revitalizing the drone industry.

Founded in 2018, Marine Drone Technology Co., Ltd. first developed the maritime drone delivery service 'Naraon' for sailors stranded at sea due to landing restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Naraon" refers to a platform package encompassing drones, drone control systems, and systems. Currently, it serves as a platform connecting ships and local businesses, and is expanding its vision to become a carbon-neutral company that addresses logistics blind spots.

There are many delivery drones on the market, but Marine Drone Technology Co., Ltd. is the only one that has actually commercialized it. We have been operating the service for over two years, mainly on the sea.

At the exhibition, Marine Drone Technology Co., Ltd. unveiled the "MDT-1600," a drone equipped with delivery equipment. Currently operating between ships, the drone has completed approximately 700 free deliveries over the past two years. It can fly for up to 60 minutes and can transport 6kg of cargo within a 10km radius for up to 40 minutes.

Hong Un-hee, head of the Marine Drone Technology Research Center, said, "Currently, the MDT-1600 is the only battery-powered drone capable of carrying a 5kg payload and delivering 10km." He added, "Compared to engines, batteries are widely adopted in drones due to their simpler system and easier operation. This has allowed us to offer a reasonable price."

Founded in 2018, Marine Drone Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in marine drone research and development, aerial photography of naval vessels, and underwater drone operations. In 2021, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Future Drone Transportation Officer issued a business registration certificate for maritime cargo delivery using drones to the Busan Regional Aviation Office.

Director Hong said, “Drones for non-visual flight must be approved by the Aviation Safety Technology Institute, and these are called special flights. “The drone is sufficiently reliable and is operating with a permit, with safety devices in place to meet the requirements,” he said.

■ Partnership with British future mobility company Skyports
Marine Drone Technology Co., Ltd. is leading the future of the domestic drone service industry by joining hands with leading future mobility companies.

On the 24th, at BEXCO in Busan where the '2023 Drone Show Korea' was held, Marine Drone Technology Co., Ltd. announced that it had established a joint venture with Skyports, a leading UK company in future air mobility, and launched 'Skyports Drone Services Korea'. At the event that day, both companies held an opening ceremony for the corporation.

The two companies will collaborate to provide customer-centric, customized drone solutions by aligning their views on the drone industry's core values, including connectivity, productivity, and safety.

Marine Drone Technology Co., Ltd. will strengthen its capabilities, focusing on Busan Port and Yeosu Port, by leveraging its drone delivery platform operation know-how and Skyports' AAM infrastructure and drone service capabilities.

Alex Brown, Director of Skyports Drone Service, said, “Korea has a well-established future-oriented and innovative technology ecosystem, and this collaboration will have a positive impact and contribute to the Korean drone service market. As both companies continue to pursue value-driven innovation, Skyports Drone Service Korea will strive to play a leading role in the future of Korea’s drone industry.”

Hwang Ui-cheol, CEO of Marine Drone Technology, said, “We are grateful that Skyports has sympathized with our vision and two-year journey to commercialize and commercialize drone delivery. Going forward, we will strengthen our expertise in drone technology to provide the best drone delivery service to ships and customers around the world calling at Korean ports and become a company that solves various problems in our society by utilizing drones.”

Meanwhile, the '2023 Drone Show Korea', held at BEXCO in Busan from the 23rd to the 25th, will feature 625 booths from 172 companies, a conference with 46 speakers and moderators from 8 countries, and various experiential events for visitors.