In a world first, Denmark has approved the testing of a remote pilotage system that allows the use of guided vessels. Specifically, marine pilots guide ships from shore, using real-time data, instead of boarding ships at sea.
The program, developed by DanPilot and maritime technology company Danelec, has received official approval from the Danish Emergency Management Agency and signals a potential shift in global maritime operations.
Remote piloting
Remote piloting is a method of navigating large vessels through difficult coastal or busy waters without the need for a pilot to physically board the vessel. Instead, pilots stationed in a control center receive real-time navigation data from the ship and provide expert guidance remotely. This approach minimises risks, increases efficiency and reduces emissions, especially in regions with heavy ship traffic and harsh boarding conditions.
Denmark’s 18-month testing process will cover up to 50 pilotage operations in Danish waters, in particular in the Kattegat and the western Baltic Sea. It will be limited to ships with a draught of less than 13 metres and applies only to non-compulsory pilotage transits. Participating vessels must meet strict technical standards to ensure reliable data transmission and navigational accuracy.
Pilots monitor and direct participating vessels from a command center in Randers using a continuous flow of navigation data. These include course, speed, direction and position, all sent in real-time via Danelec’s on-board systems. The pilots then analyze this data and provide instructions to the ship’s crew, reflecting their decisions if they were physically on board.
Remote piloting technology
At the heart of the system is Danelec’s data platform, which collects and transmits information from the ship’s voyage data recorder (VDR). This infrastructure allows pilots to supervise the movement of the ship remotely, having full situational awareness.
“Remote piloting is not only a technological breakthrough, but also a strategic step towards safer and more sustainable shipping,” said Casper Jensen, CEO of Danelec. “We are proud to deliver the technological infrastructure that allows safe navigation without the physical presence of a pilot. Here, cybersecurity, a cornerstone of our technology, is a prerequisite for the safe and large-scale deployment of the solution in the global maritime sector.”
The test program, which officially started after six years of development, marks a critical breakthrough in maritime digitalization. “This marks a major turning point,” said Erik Merkes Nielsen, CEO of DanPilot. “Remote piloting makes our work safer and helps reduce both CO2 emissions and operational costs for our customers. We have worked intensively for six years to reach this stage.”
Strategic and environmental advantages
By eliminating the need for pilots to physically board, ships no longer have to change their speed or course, reducing fuel consumption. The test also reduces reliance on pilot boats, providing a secondary reduction in emissions and logistics expenses.
Although the programme is initially limited to around 10% of DanPilot operations, the long-term potential extends beyond Denmark. Shipping giant Maersk is contributing to a test by supplying ships, demonstrating a commercial interest in new methods of navigation.
If Denmark’s remote pilotage model works well, it could become a model for other countries to modernise piloting. This could reduce environmental damage and improve safety while maintaining control of navigation.
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