First time delivering goods across seas by UAV in Vietnam

The opening ceremony took place on the morning of February 12 at Can Gio Ferry Terminal, carried out by the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City in coordination with Vietnam Post Corporation (Vietnam Post) and CT UAV company. The flight route originates from the Can Gio Ferry Terminal area, crosses the Soai Rap estuary, and connects directly to the Vung Tau ferry terminal on Tran Phu Street, Vung Tau Ward. Total journey length is more than 12 km.

During the inaugural flight, the UAV carried a 2 kg package, completing the flight in about 15 minutes. After that, the device continues to receive goods and return at the same time. The entire journey, from loading goods, taking off, flying across the sea route to landing and handing over at the point where the livestream is received.

The UAV fleet participating in the operation includes specialized aircraft for transport and logistics developed by CT UAV. Devices using the CT-Nexus Flight Control System have high wind resistance, suitable for coastal and island environments.

Mr. Vu Hong Quang, Vice President of CT Group, said that the flight control system developed by the company allows the device to maintain stability in sea wind conditions, automatically adjusting the trajectory when there are changes in wind speed or pressure. UAVs are specifically designed for light transport, optimizing load and flight time.

The UAV reaches an average flight speed of 10-15 m/s, operates at a maximum altitude of 200 m, in a 300 m wide flight corridor and a safety radius of 500 m at takeoff and landing points. The device is equipped with a journey surveillance camera and self-propelled system, serving the transportation of parcels, necessities, pharmaceuticals and documents.

With the use of UAVs, the total journey time can be reduced by 80-90% compared to road transport because it does not depend on ferries, ships or congestion. Compared to waterways, the time is shortened by about three times.

Mr. Nguyen Nhu Thuan, Director of Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, said UAVs were included in the operation chain as an additional method, helping to shorten delivery time in areas with limited traffic. The unit will monitor and evaluate effectiveness before expanding to mountainous and island areas.

The entire process from receiving parcels, packing, sealing, scanning codes, loading onto equipment, taking off, landing and handing over is integrated into Vietnam Post’s logistics system. Customers track order status in real time with the “one code – one journey” model.

During the testing and opening phase, all costs are paid by the business. After stable operation, the parties will calculate specific charges, which may be higher than ferry shipping charges, but suitable for those who need fast delivery, within two hours.

According to calculations, when operating stably, the flight route can accommodate 3,000-5,000 small package postal items per day from Ho Chi Minh City inner city to Vung Tau area, especially serving the group of goods under 2 kg. In the first phase, Vietnam Post prioritizes postal items under 5 kg such as records, documents, e-commerce goods and some essential items.

Mr. Pham Huynh Quang Hieu, Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, said that the Can Gio – Vung Tau drone delivery route is not only a technological event but also a milestone in the process of bringing scientific achievements to serve the city’s life and digital economic development. Previously, the model was tested in a narrow range at the High-Tech Park, creating a basis for evaluating technological capacity and coordination between units.

According to him, today’s opening is a breakthrough when the journey is longer, the operating conditions are more complicated, especially flying across the sea in a high wind environment. This shows the ability to master technology and organize low-altitude aviation operations in real conditions.

Department leaders assess that in the context of increasing demand for delivery, UAVs can become an effective additional solution for the existing logistics system, helping to shorten transportation time, optimize costs and reduce pressure on traditional transportation infrastructure. The flight route is also the basis for the city to perfect its controlled testing mechanism, creating space for innovation.

In the coming time, the Department of Science and Technology will comprehensively monitor and evaluate operational efficiency, and advise on improving policies to facilitate the expansion of drone applications in postal, rescue, medical and public services.