NL
The Port of Rotterdam Authority has taken a major step toward a future where drones can be deployed safely and efficiently on a large scale over the port area. Recently, the port authority submitted the official application for the designation of a Pre U-space airspace. This initiates the formal process of structuring low-altitude airspace over the port for a growing volume of commercial and professional drone operations.
Managing an active low-altitude airspace
The application was submitted to the Air Traffic Management Board (ATMB), the policy unit of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the Ministry of Defence, which is responsible for reviewing airspace changes in the Netherlands.
By designating a Pre U-space airspace, the Port of Rotterdam Authority aims to lay the groundwork for structured low-altitude airspace operations. This includes:
- Airspace Design: Designing clear flight corridors and zones for drones over the port.
- Risk Assessment: Preparing comprehensive air and ground risk evaluations.
- Operational Conditions: Setting clear guidelines and rules for drone operators working in the area.
The need for structured airspace management is growing rapidly. Currently, more than fifty companies, emergency services, and government organizations deploy drones in the Port of Rotterdam for security patrol, inspections, environmental monitoring, and law enforcement. While the low-altitude airspace represents significant economic value, the rising number of operations requires a robust traffic management structure.
A pathway toward full U-space
The Pre U-space concept acts as a transition phase toward a full U-space environment. Once designated, the framework will serve as a baseline. Over the coming years, new risk-mitigation measures, advanced operational procedures, and digital services (such as real-time flight plan authorization and Remote ID) can be integrated step-by-step.
An official stakeholder consultation process is part of this transition, allowing port-based businesses, local governments, and citizens to learn about and provide input on the proposed airspace structure.
BVLOS trials in the port area
For professional drone operators, the designated Pre U-space airspace offers a major benefit: selected operators will have the opportunity to test and execute BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) flights. The precise operating parameters and safety frameworks for flights beyond the pilot's visual line of sight are currently being drafted. The formal designation of the Pre U-space is anticipated in the first half of 2027.
What this means for Drone Department
For our cinema drone services, this is a major regulatory milestone. Conducting shoots in the busy airspace of the Port of Rotterdam requires strict safety compliance and detailed approvals. A structured Pre U-space environment will provide EASA Specific category operators, like Drone Department, with clearer operational protocols and enhanced safety assurances on set.
Furthermore, the opportunity to perform BVLOS flights in the port area will unlock new cinematic possibilities, enabling long-range tracking shots of ships, industrial facilities, and dynamic action scenes that were previously restricted.