UAV Image Recognition Applications in BRI Port Logistics Optimization: Airspace Management Regulations and Cross-Border Data Flow Policies

Abstract

This study investigates UAV image recognition applications for optimizing port logistics within the Belt and Road Initiative framework, examining the intersection of technological capabilities with airspace management regulations and cross-border data flow policies. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative performance analysis of hybrid YOLOv8-Faster R-CNN architectures with qualitative assessment of regulatory frameworks across three case study ports—Qingdao, Singapore PSA, and Piraeus—during a 12-month evaluation period utilizing 18,000 annotated images and DJI Matrice 300 RTK platforms. The findings reveal that while UAV systems achieve robust detection performance under optimal conditions, with container identification reaching high accuracy levels and ports experiencing substantial efficiency gains, regulatory fragmentation significantly constrains operational deployment by limiting accessible airspace to between one-third and two-thirds of theoretical coverage and imposing compliance-driven latency penalties that compromise real-time processing capabilities. Cross-border data governance challenges prompted the exploration of federated learning as an alternative architecture, demonstrating viable pathways for maintaining operational effectiveness while respecting data sovereignty requirements despite increased computational overhead and extended training cycles. The study concludes that successful UAV deployment in BRI ports necessitates integrated advancement across technical, regulatory, and organizational dimensions, with standardized implementation approaches proving inadequate for addressing the diverse operational contexts characterizing BRI maritime infrastructure. These findings provide critical guidance for port authorities and policymakers in developing adaptive governance frameworks that balance technological innovation with regulatory compliance while establishing mutual recognition mechanisms for technical standards across jurisdictions.