Extending Port Surveillance
to the Airspace

For decades, ports have focused on monitoring what happens on the water. Today, that is no longer enough.

Unmanned aerial systems are increasingly present around harbours and logistics hubs. They can approach restricted zones quickly, operate at low altitude, and be difficult to identify without dedicated equipment. As regulatory attention and public scrutiny increase, port authorities are expected to demonstrate clear control not only of vessel traffic, but also of the airspace above their facilities.

This creates a practical challenge:
How do you introduce aerial monitoring without overloading the control room with additional, disconnected systems?

From Two Domains to One Operational View

Gatehouse Maritime has expanded its Maritime Domain Monitor platform to include drone detection capabilities directly within the existing interface.

Through cooperation with Danish drone detection specialist AirPlate, drone tracking data can now be displayed alongside maritime traffic data. The physical detection infrastructure is installed and operated on site, while the platform consolidates all relevant information into a single operational environment.

Instead of switching between tools, operators can now view vessel movements and drone activity together - in real time.

The integrated setup enables ports to:

• Identify drones operating near restricted areas
• Determine the position of the drone operator
• Compare aerial activity with vessel traffic patterns
• Configure automated notifications for denied security zones
• Review historical drone events when documentation is required

By merging these data streams, ports gain extended awareness without increasing system fragmentation.

Operational Benefits

Combining maritime and aerial monitoring in one system improves coordination between teams. Security staff and operations personnel work from the same visual overview, which simplifies communication and decision-making during incidents.
It also reduces complexity. Rather than introducing a standalone drone platform, the functionality becomes a natural extension of the existing maritime monitoring workflow.

First Implementation in Denmark

The Port of Aarhus has been the first to deploy this capability. The objective was to strengthen oversight of unwanted drone activity while maintaining efficient vessel operations. With the combined solution, both maritime and airborne activity within the port perimeter can now be supervised through one consolidated interface. This provides clearer accountability, faster response coordination, and a more complete operational picture.

A Practical Step Toward Broader Security

As drone technology continues to evolve, ports must adapt their security approach accordingly. Extending surveillance from sea level to airspace is becoming a necessary step in protecting critical infrastructure. By integrating drone detection directly into Maritime Domain Monitor, Gatehouse Maritime and AirPlate offer a solution that enhances security while preserving operational simplicity.
If you are evaluating how to incorporate aerial monitoring into your existing setup, we are available to discuss practical implementation and share insights from early deployments.