DroneHorizon 2026: drones in the port of tomorrow
Drones are increasingly finding their way into daily port operations. They are used for infrastructure inspections, monitoring shipping traffic, security, incident management and many other applications. At the same time, technological and operational challenges remain around integration, regulations and cooperation between different systems.
During DroneHorizon 2026, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Blue Cluster and partners bring together companies, researchers, technology developers and end users around the latest developments in drone innovation. The programme combines practice-oriented presentations with demonstrations and networking opportunities.
Participants gain insight into how drones are already being used today in ports and what opportunities the technology offers for further digitalisation and automation of logistical processes.
👉 Check out the detailed programme
| 08:30 | Welcome and registration |
| 09:00 | Opening session Erwin Verstraelen (Port of Antwerp-Bruges) |
| 09:05 | State of the Union: drones Munish Khurana (EUROCONTROL) |
| 09:20 |
Use cases: Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Bert Haemels (SGS Benelux) and Martin Keller (Infrabel) |
| 10:20 | Koffiepauze |
| 10:40 | Innovation Program Defence & Drones Steven Lauwereys (Royal Higher Institute of Defence) |
| 11:00 | Supporting Defence and Security through a Collaborative Drone Ecosystem Sytse Sijbesma (Up in the Sky) |
| 11:15 | State of the Union: USVs Steven Luys (Exail Robotics Belgium) |
| 11:35 |
Use cases: Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Port of Rotterdam
Pieter-Jan Note (MAHI) and Marlon Drinkwaard (AquaSmartXl) |
| 12:05 | From Pilot to Platform: Enabling safe & secure, large-scale drone operations in complex port environments Panel discussion with René De Vries (Port of Rotterdam), Niels Vanlaer (Port of Antwerp-Bruges) and Simon Rosenkrantz (Hamburg Port Authority) |
| 12:25 | Lunch |
| 12:30 | Opening of the fair & networking area |
| 13:00 |
Guided Demo Tours Hosted by Blue Cluster and Port of Antwerp-Bruges (continuously until 15:30) |
| 14:00 | Tech Pitch Sessions powered by The Beacon |
| 16:30 |
Closing session Mykola Kravchuk (Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority) |
| 17:00 | Handover ceremony |
| 17:10 | Networking reception |
| 18u30 | End of the event |
Practical info
DroneHorizon 2026 is aimed at companies, researchers, technology developers, port stakeholders, policymakers and end users active around drones and autonomous systems.
The working language of the event is English. Would you like to attend? Register now.
Any questions about the programme and the practical organisation? Contact us.
About the Port of the Future Week
DroneHorizon 2026 is part of the Port of the Future Week, a two-day initiative by Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Blue Cluster and partners focusing on autonomous and unmanned technology in port environments.
On 15 September, the use of drones takes centre stage during DroneHorizon 2026. On 16 September, the Autonomous Summit follows, offering a broader perspective on autonomous vehicles, vessels and remotely operated systems.
Together, both events demonstrate how innovative technology is shaping the port of the future.
