The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will begin a yearlong test of cargo drone flights across the East River next week, part of a broader effort to explore faster delivery options in one of the nation’s most congested urban corridors.

The bi-state agency said today that it is partnering with U.K.-based Skyports Drone Services to operate small, uncrewed aircraft carrying light cargo between lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Marine Terminal.

Flights are scheduled to begin Monday and will run on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. along a fixed route over water, away from residential areas. Each flight will be monitored by a certified drone pilot and conducted with approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Officials said the pilot program is designed to evaluate whether drone deliveries could reduce truck traffic, cut emissions and improve the speed of so-called “middle-mile” logistics, the movement of goods between distribution hubs.

The trial follows a two-week proof-of-concept test in January conducted with the New York City Economic Development Corporation. During that test, drones completed 135 flights, traveled 151 miles and transported 252 pounds of simulated cargo. Each one-way trip averaged about four minutes, compared with up to 20 minutes by vehicle, according to officials.

The Port Authority said the earlier test suggested the flights could eliminate hundreds of miles of truck travel and reduce fuel consumption, even with weather-related disruptions.

Across the country, drones are rapidly emerging as a viable shipping option, particularly for short-distance and time-sensitive deliveries. Major retailers including Walmart have expanded drone delivery networks, allowing some customers to receive orders in as little as 10 minutes. 

During the new trial, drones will carry nonhazardous items such as light pharmaceutical supplies for a New York nonprofit health system.

The flights will operate in a tightly regulated environment that includes some of the country’s busiest waterways and airspace. In addition to federal oversight, the program will coordinate with local agencies including the police and fire departments and the U.S. Coast Guard.

At the end of the 12-month test period, officials will evaluate whether the program should be expanded to additional routes across the region.