Flanders will use drones for harbor dam inspections

The Flemish government will soon be using drones to inspect the harbor dams in Ostend. The use of drones should significantly increase the safety for inspectors. After inspecting a drone, they can perform checks in a safe place.

After a successful trial in which a drone was used for the inspection of the IJzerweg bridge over the Scheldt in Avelgem, the Flemish government has decided to use drones more often for inspections in the future. Press agency Belga reports that the Flemish Minister of Public Works Ben Weyts said this in an answer to a question from MP Bert Maertens.

During the upcoming inspections of the harbor dams, the drones will be used to take pictures at regular intervals. First there is a zero measurement and after that a check measurement must take place regularly. Software compares the captured images to see if any shifts have occurred. Specialists must then assess whether repairs are necessary. According to the government, this method significantly increases safety for inspectors.