New Pilot Project with the
Port of Hirtshals

Ports are a cornerstone of Denmark's critical infrastructure. Protecting them requires more than traditional perimeter control - it demands visibility across land, sea, and increasingly, the airspace above.
To address this evolving security landscape, the Port of Hirtshals has partnered with AirPlate in a strategic pilot project to introduce advanced drone detection capabilities at the port. From February to May, the port is testing AirPlate’s system to enhance monitoring of drone activity around its facilities. The initiative reflects a growing awareness that aerial threats must be managed with the same level of attention as maritime and land-based risks.

'Security requirements continue to evolve, and we must evolve with them,' says Michael R. Langballe, Head of Transport & Logistics and Port Security Officer at the Port of Hirtshals. 'Port protection has historically focused on land and water, but airspace monitoring is becoming increasingly relevant. Incidents involving unauthorized drones in secured areas - both in Denmark and Norway - show that this is a real and present challenge'.

AirPlate’s drone detection system was installed at the port as part of the pilot programme, and delivered results almost immediately. Within hours of activation, the system detected drone activity in the vicinity of the port. Since then, multiple drone flights have been registered and documented. This rapid detection capability enables the port to:

• Identify drones operating near restricted areas
• Determine drone flight paths
• Locate the position of drone pilots
• Document activity for compliance and reporting purposes

The system provides real-time data, allowing security teams to respond quickly and maintain situational awareness of the airspace above critical facilities.

Developed in Odense, Denmark, AirPlate’s solution is designed specifically for operators of critical infrastructure who require reliable, actionable drone intelligence. 'Our system detected its first drone just hours after installation. It was a clear demonstration of how quickly our technology can create value,' says August Mader, CEO and Co-Founder of AirPlate. 'The Port of Hirtshals represents exactly the kind of environment where proactive drone detection makes a difference - both in terms of security and documentation. Our ambition is to support more critical infrastructure operators facing similar challenges.'

The pilot project at the Port of Hirtshals highlights a broader shift in infrastructure protection. As drone technology becomes more accessible, airspace monitoring is becoming a natural extension of existing security strategies. For AirPlate, the collaboration demonstrates how drone detection can be seamlessly integrated into port environments to provide clarity, accountability, and operational confidence. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with the Port of Hirtshals and to supporting more organisations in strengthening their resilience against drone-related threats.