Shipping companies are seeking more protection from drones after incidents in conflict zones, with oil and gas carriers showing the strongest interest, the Financial Times reports.
Shipping companies are requesting more systems to protect vessels from drones after incidents in conflict zones, the Financial Times reports, citing industry representatives. The newspaper names the Middle East and the Black Sea among the areas where such incidents have increased concern. Counter-drone firms MARSS, Drone Defence and D-Fend told the paper that inquiries from shipowners have risen sharply.
The strongest interest is coming from companies that carry oil and gas cargoes and operate near maritime energy infrastructure. Until recently, the paper says, demand for maritime counter-drone technology came mainly from superyacht owners seeking protection from paparazzi. The reported shift places commercial cargo vessels, particularly energy carriers, more squarely in the discussion of onboard protection.
For an oil tanker, a radar system with cameras and jamming equipment can cost about $500,000, according to the report. Vessels unable to afford that equipment are turning to simpler measures such as nets and suspended water tanks. The newspaper says those measures are intended to confuse a drone or make it detonate before it reaches critical parts of the vessel.