Enhancing Port Security with Elistair’s Tethered Drone Technology
Elistair is set to play a pivotal role in the European initiative SMAUG (Smart Maritime And Underwater Guardian), aimed at bolstering the surveillance and security of critical port and maritime zones.
This ambitious project, backed by the European Union, unites 21 collaborators from seven different nations.
Innovative Surveillance Solutions
Elistair will enhance the project by deploying its state-of-the-art tethered drone on the consortium’s Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs). This integration will facilitate continuous aerial surveillance over port areas, creating a dynamic monitoring platform that ensures uninterrupted visual oversight of maritime environments.
Powered through a constant electric cable and a secure data connection from the vessel, the drone can operate for extended periods, delivering live, encrypted video streams. This capability will provide authorities with a reliable “eye in the sky,” enabling real-time detection of suspicious activities autonomously.
Addressing Modern Maritime Threats
European ports are increasingly confronted with sophisticated infiltration tactics and maritime trafficking methods, including stealth underwater vehicles and undetected divers. The SMAUG initiative seeks to improve underwater detection by integrating five advanced technologies: hydrophones, high-resolution sonar, swarms of underwater drones, hull scanners, and tethered drones.
The data collected from these various sensors will be processed using artificial intelligence to identify potential threats,such as explosives or illicit cargo.
Technological Challenges in Port Security
today’s port infrastructures are grappling with escalating technological challenges, including the need for discreet intrusion detection, nighttime surveillance capabilities, and enhanced monitoring of submerged areas and ship hulls.
The SMAUG project leverages a combination of cutting-edge technologies to effectively monitor these environments:
- Hydrophones
- High-resolution sonar systems
- Hull scanning technology
- Cooperative underwater drones
- Aerial tethered drones
Data from these sensors will be analyzed by intelligent modules to detect anomalies or unusual behaviors at an early stage.
Leadership Insights
Guilhem De Marliave,CEO and Co-founder of Elistair,remarked,“This strategic initiative for safeguarding European port infrastructure underscores the confidence in Elistair and our technology. It represents our vision of utilizing robotics to enhance safety for individuals and critical sites. The integration of a tethered drone on an autonomous vessel signifies a meaningful advancement, offering continuous, mobile, and proactive maritime surveillance to counter emerging threats.”
Successful Testing and Future Demonstrations
Initial trials conducted in May 2025 confirmed the effective deployment of Elistair’s tethered drone on a Maritime Robotics autonomous vessel under real-world conditions. This proof of concept validated the system’s performance in challenging maritime environments, both stationary and in motion.
Building on this success, project partners are planning two large-scale demonstrations in 2025 and 2026 at the ports of Valencia (Spain) and Drammen (Norway).
