Drone Horizon 2025: NAVISP Highlights PNT Opportunities in Rotterdam

Last Updated: 24/09/2025 06:49     Created at: 24/09/2025 06:49

From 4 to 5 September 2025, the Drone Horizon event took place at the Port of Rotterdam, one of Europe’s most dynamic hubs for innovation in logistics and infrastructure. The event brought together over 300 participants and 100 companies, including drone manufacturers, maritime stakeholders, investors, and public authorities, to discuss the future of autonomous and unmanned systems.

The programme featured high-level speakers, including representatives from the Port Authorities of Antwerp-Bruges, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and the Dutch Ministry of Defence, who shared their perspectives on the growing strategic importance of autonomous technologies. Discussions focused on how drones are increasingly being integrated into industrial ecosystems to enhance safety, efficiency, and operational resilience.

ESA NAVISP on Stage: Strengthening Europe’s PNT Capabilities

ESA’s NAVISP programme was invited to speak on stage, highlighting the critical role of Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) in enabling autonomous systems. NAVISP emphasized the need for a more competitive and innovative PNT sector in Europe, capable of supporting emerging markets and strategic infrastructure.

During the presentation, NAVISP extended an open invitation to companies developing PNT-related technologies to explore collaboration opportunities with ESA. As PNT forms the invisible backbone of modern infrastructure, it is essential for enabling precise navigation, synchronised operations, and real-time decision-making across sectors such as transport, energy, defence, and logistics.

The Port of Rotterdam: A Strategic Partner for Innovation

The Port of Rotterdam showcased its role as a key player in the Dutch economy, contributing approximately 6% of the national GDP. As one of the largest and most technologically advanced ports in Europe, it is actively exploring the integration of drones into its operations, from surveillance and inspection to cargo handling and emergency response.

Port representatives highlighted how autonomous systems, supported by robust PNT capabilities, are becoming indispensable for maintaining safe, efficient, and scalable operations in complex environments.

Industry Engagement and Future Collaboration

Throughout the event, ESA NAVISP engaged in discussions with drone manufacturers, port authorities, and other stakeholders to explore potential areas of collaboration. These conversations focus on how NAVISP can support the development and deployment of PNT-enabled autonomous solutions, tailored to the needs of industrial ecosystems like the Port of Rotterdam.

NAVISP continues to foster partnerships that drive innovation and strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty in PNT.