The Port Authority of Las Palmas presented three next-generation drones on Tuesday to reinforce surveillance and control throughout the port area, a move that the institution says marks a qualitative leap in port security while improving response capacity during emergencies. The investment of €49,974.85 equips the Port Police with a multipurpose air capability designed to complement land and maritime operations, with an emphasis on preventive monitoring, rapid intervention, and technical support for inspections.
Beatriz Calzada, president of the Port Authority, framed the initiative as a strategic step in the port’s modernization drive. She said the incorporation of drones into the Port Police “reinforces the commitment to modernization and security” and represents “a decisive step” toward a safer, more sustainable, and innovative port “prepared for present and future challenges.” Her remarks underline the authority’s intention to systematize aerial support as a standard tool in daily operations.
The new unit is staffed by three accredited Port Police pilots who have received specific training to ensure safe and effective handling of the equipment. According to the authority, the resources will not only enhance patrol and incident response but will also, in the short term, be available to other Port Authority departments—including Infrastructure, Environment, and Maintenance—where drone use can provide operational value, such as in routine inspections or environmental monitoring tasks.
Capabilities and operational roles of the new drones
The fleet features differentiated, complementary platforms. The DJI Matrice 350 RTK stands out for its long flight endurance and high-precision positioning. It can be outfitted with multispectral cameras, infrared spotlights, or long-range speakers, making it suited to complex surveillance missions, search-and-rescue support, and technical assistance during infrastructure inspections. Its modular payload options position it as the workhorse for scenarios that require persistence in the air and data capture tailored to specific operational needs.
The DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Thermal, a compact and highly maneuverable unit, is designed for rapid deployment. Its integrated thermal camera enables locating people at night, detecting heat sources, and supporting firefighting operations. Safety-focused accessories—including a parachute system and an anti-collision beacon—expand its usability in confined or sensitive areas, while the small form factor facilitates swift launch from varied locations along the waterfront or within port facilities. This platform complements the heavier airframe by delivering fast, targeted responses when time is critical.
The SwellPro Splash Drone 4 is the only system in the fleet fully resistant to saltwater. It can alight on the sea surface and capture images below the waterline, enabling close-in assessment of incidents in exposed marine environments. Purpose-built for sea rescue operations, it can carry and release objects, including OneUp self-inflating lifesaving devices that deploy automatically upon contact with water. This capability extends practical rescue options from shore or vessels, especially when conditions complicate immediate human intervention.
During the presentation, demonstration flights were conducted with two of the drones to showcase operational readiness and core functions. The third unit—specialized in maritime operations—remains in the final testing phase prior to entering service. The Port Authority emphasized that this deployment will expand preventive surveillance and improve the speed and effectiveness of responses during incidents, from locating individuals in low-visibility conditions to providing aerial support for firefighting or infrastructure assessments after adverse events.
The authority acknowledged the support of multiple institutions in preparing and launching the project: the Local Police of Telde, the Military Emergency Unit (UME), the Fire and Rescue Service (SEIS) of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the National Police, the Emergency and Rescue Group (GES) of the Government of the Canary Islands, and the Canary Association of Drone Operators and Pilots (ASCADRÓN). Their technical collaboration, training support, and coordination were described as essential to the initiative’s success. With the addition of these aerial systems, the Port Police consolidate operational coverage by land, sea, and air—positioning the Port of Las Palmas as a reference point for security and technological innovation in the Mid-Atlantic.
