Authorities in Denmark have approved the world’s first test program for “remote pilotage,” a cutting-edge method that allows ships to be guided without an onboard pilot. While remote guidance for vessels isn’t new, as VTS operators already monitor traffic and provide navigational advice, traditional pilotage has always required a physical presence—until now.
In collaboration with DanPilot, Danelec has created a system that utilizes advanced ship data, enabling pilots to offer guidance remotely. This innovation enhances pilot safety by eliminating the need for physical boarding and reduces fuel consumption for ships. According to the partners, this approach maintains navigational safety comparable to in-person pilotage.
Erik Merkes Nielsen, CEO of DanPilot, emphasized the benefits: “Remote pilotage makes our work safer and helps reduce both CO₂ emissions and operational costs for our customers.” The initiative, approved by the Danish Emergency Management Agency, will be tested over 18 months in the Kattegat and western Baltic regions, focusing on transits that do not require compulsory pilotage.
Danelec CEO Casper Jensen noted that remote pilotage represents a significant technological and strategic advancement for safer, more sustainable shipping, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity for its successful implementation.
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