Qingdao has completed China's first trial drone delivery operation involving remote quarantine inspection equipment for anchored vessels, marking another milestone in the city's efforts to develop low-altitude aviation and smart port logistics.
During the operation, a locally developed multirotor drone carried a 10-kilogram customs-sealed container across 10 kilometers of open water in just 13 minutes, successfully transporting quarantine inspection devices to the vessel. The entire flight was monitored in real time through Qingdao's low-altitude flight management system, with stable communications and no safety incidents reported.
By transporting the devices before a ship reaches port, quarantine inspections can be completed while the vessel is still approaching, allowing cargo operations to begin immediately after berthing. The process helps shorten port turnaround times and improve berth efficiency.
Qingdao has been actively exploring the use of drones in maritime logistics. In January, the Qingdao Area of the China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone (Qingdao FTZ), together with transportation, customs and border inspection authorities, completed northern China's first drone delivery trial for an anchored vessel, confirming both the technical feasibility and commercial potential of the service.
The latest demonstration marks another step toward integrating drone technology into routine port operations, supporting more efficient international shipping and the continued development of Qingdao's smart port ecosystem.
A drone takes off during a trial flight to deliver quarantine inspection equipment to an anchored vessel in Qingdao, Shandong province, on July 16. [Photo/Guanhai News]
China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone Qingdao Area
