The Agency for Maritime and Coastal Services (MDK) and skeyes have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Ostend (Belgium) to further develop their collaboration on the safe deployment and integration of drones over the North Sea.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Ir. Nathalie Balcaen, Administrator-General of MDK, and Mr. Johan Decuyper, CEO of skeyes.
Innovative cooperation for public safety and efficiency
Through this partnership, MDK and skeyes aim to further enhance the integration of manned and unmanned air traffic in Belgian airspace. Drones offer major opportunities for carrying out public interest missions at sea, such as Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and the inspection of maritime infrastructure and zones.
Under the agreement, both parties commit to:
- improving the situational awareness of the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre (MRCC) by integrating real-time air traffic data from both manned (skeyes) and unmanned (SkeyDrone) operations;
- developing a roadmap for the structural deployment of drones by MDK, including a Proof of Concept (PoC) for a SAR drone over the North Sea in cooperation with SkeyDrone.
Safe and integrated airspace
As air navigation service provider (ANSP)and the sole provider of Common Information Services Provider for U-space airspaces, skeyes plays a key role in the safe integration of drones in Belgian airspace. The cooperation with MDK aligns with skeyes’ broader ambition to support innovative aviation technologies serving public interest.
“Drones are a key asset for the maritime services of the future,” says Nathalie Balcaen, Administrator-General of MDK. “They enable us to work faster, safer, and more efficiently — from rescue operations to coastal inspections. With this partnership, we are creating a structural framework for the sustainable use of drones over the North Sea.”
“skeyes is committed to enabling the safe integration of drones into airspace,” adds Johan Decuyper, CEO of skeyes. “Our collaboration with MDK demonstrates how innovation in air traffic management and maritime services can reinforce one another for the benefit of society.”
Flemish Minister of Mobility Annick De Ridder (N-VA) embraces this initiative. “Drones are the new technology and no longer something of the future. They will help us in many ways, not only in the air but also on land and at sea. The Flemish Government supports every form of innovative technology,” said De Ridder.
Future steps
The first concrete actions will begin later this year. By the end of 2025, the integration of air traffic data into the MRCC’s operational picture will be fully finalised. In 2026, the operational phase will follow, further developing a structural drone capability for MDK.
The cooperation will initially run for three years and may be extended thereafter. Both organisations will evaluate progress and results at least once a year.
