Skylift and FlyingBasket complete UK’s first offshore drone delivery.
The project, conducted over six and a half weeks, completed more than 600 flights.
UK drone operator Skylift UAV and European drone manufacturer FlyingBasket have partnered with offshore wind developer Ørsted to carry out the United Kingdom’s first large-scale offshore drone delivery programme. The project, conducted over six and a half weeks, completed more than 600 flights, transporting 38.1 tonnes of equipment to over 400 producing wind turbines at Hornsea 1 & 2 off England’s east coast and Walney 1 & 2 in the Irish Sea.
FlyingBasket’s FB3 heavy-lift drones, with a capacity of up to 100 kg, delivered loads averaging 70 kg directly from supply vessels to turbine nacelles more than 100 metres above sea level. Drones reduced delivery times from hours to minutes, completing up to 30 trips per day and achieving a record of 40 in a single day.
According to the companies, the programme reduced emissions and proved to be over ten times more cost-effective than traditional lifting methods. It also improved safety, cutting worker exposure in drop zones from 50 minutes to one minute per lift.
Moritz Moroder, CEO and co-founder of FlyingBasket, said, “Seeing our cargo drones delivering tonnes of payload in the energy sector highlights not just technological progress but also the power of teamwork and persistence.”
Toby Moores, the CEO and co-founder of Skylift UAV, added that the programme shows drone technology can change offshore logistics by combining safety, efficiency, and sustainability to support the UK’s renewable energy transition.
The UK initiative follows a 2024 project in the Netherlands that delivered 5 tonnes of equipment in 10 days. With 38 tonnes delivered in weeks, Skylift and FlyingBasket said the programme demonstrates the scalability of drone logistics as offshore wind farms expand further from shore.
