Article

Denmark first to launch data-driven remote pilotage


published on 15 May 2025 3139 -






Remote Pilotage in Denmark




Denmark Launches World’s First Remote Pilotage Test – A Paradigm Shift in Maritime Navigation

With official approval from the Danish Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), DanPilot and Danelec have launched a groundbreaking test program for remote pilotage – the first of its kind globally. This approval marks a key milestone and paves the way for a technological transformation in the maritime sector, aiming to improve safety, climate impact, and operational efficiency.

Piloting Without Boarding: A New Era in Navigation

After six years of intensive development, Denmark is now taking a historic step toward a smarter, safer, and more sustainable maritime infrastructure. For the first time, ships will be guided remotely through Danish waters without the pilot physically boarding the vessel. Instead, pilotage operations will be conducted from a dedicated control center in Randers, based solely on real-time data transmitted from the ship.


The technology enabling this is developed by Danelec. Using the ship’s Voyage Data Recorder (VDR), crucial navigation data such as position, course, and speed are transmitted directly and securely to the control center. There, licensed pilots analyze the data via advanced software and provide precise navigation guidance – all from shore.

Focus: Safety, Sustainability, and Cost Efficiency

The initiative brings together multiple benefits:


  • Enhanced safety: Eliminating the physical transfer to vessels removes one of the riskiest parts of a pilot’s job.
  • Lower CO₂ emissions: Ships no longer need to slow down or adjust course for pilot boarding, leading to significant fuel savings.
  • Reduced operational costs: Less need for pilot boats and associated logistics.
  • Digital transformation: Supports Denmark’s strategic ambition for digital maritime leadership.



“Remote pilotage makes our work safer and helps reduce both CO₂ emissions and operational costs for our customers. We have worked intensively towards this for six years, and now we can finally test it in practice. It has the potential to become a major paradigm shift in how pilotage is carried out.”
– Erik Merkes Nielsen, CEO of DanPilot


Controlled Test Phase

The pilot program will run for up to 18 months, covering approximately 50 pilotage operations. It is limited to selected sea areas – namely the Kattegat and the western Baltic Sea – and to vessels that:


  • Meet strict technical requirements
  • Have a draft under 13 meters
  • Are not subject to mandatory pilotage

The test is being carried out in close collaboration with multiple shipping companies, including Maersk, which provides vessels operating within the designated areas.

Global Relevance and Technological Maturity

DanPilot estimates that up to 10% of all pilotage operations in Danish waters could potentially be handled remotely in the future. If the test program proves successful, it may serve as a model for international implementation.

A core pillar of the system is cybersecurity. As pilotage becomes digitally connected, the safe and tamper-proof transmission of navigation data becomes a critical requirement. Danelec’s system architecture is designed with cybersecurity as a fundamental component, ensuring compliance with maritime safety standards on a global scale.


“Remote pilotage is not only a technological breakthrough – it is a strategic step towards safer and more sustainable shipping. We are proud to deliver the technological infrastructure that enables safe navigation without the physical presence of a pilot. Here, cybersecurity – a cornerstone of our technology – is a prerequisite for implementing the solution safely and at scale in the global maritime sector.”
– Casper Jensen, CEO of Danelec




Join the conversation...

Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
jc
jianhua chen China
on 15 May 2025, 22:18 UTC

这是引航业今后的发展趋势,值得肯定。
0

jc
jianhua chen China
on 15 May 2025, 22:18 UTC

这是引航业今后的发展趋势,值得肯定。
0

Read more...

Video The Port Authority of Jamaica | Critical Services - Pilotage

published on 15 April 2021

Pilotage is compulsory in all Jamaican ports and is a necessity for the safe passage and docking of ships entering and leaving the harbours. No ship or vessel can enter our Ports without the #PortAuthorityJa’s pilotage services. #MarinePilots, being the experts in local conditions, are required to assist in the navigation and manoeuvring of vessels in our channels and port areas and are dispatched to all ports in Jamaica on a 24 hour basis. Our #PilotBoatCrew ensures that Marine Pilots are...

2

Video Transit of the Panama Canal with an XDF LNG Carrier on the Newly expanded locks under pilotage

published on 19 December 2020

Join me as we transit through the Panama Canal from the North-East side to the South-West. An interesting vlog on how an XDF LNG carrier transits through the newly expanded Panama Canal.Find out its history and which vessel and Captain transited the Canal on its opening day on the 15th of August 1914.The interaction with the Pilot Captain Arnulfo Cepetno who assist me on transit the Cocoli locks.

2

Article The challenges of remote pilotage simulated in Rauma

published on 7 October 2021

As a part of the ISTLAB project the impact of external factors on pilots’ activities in a remote pilotage situation has been examined in Rauma.

0

Opinion Piloting and the unstoppable wheel of technology.

by Captain Ricardo Caballero "Themaritimepilot" - published on 25 June 2020

Surely, the new invention also reduced the amount of time and hands (manpower) previously required to perform such a task. Now those idling "extra hands" could dedicate the "extra time" that was made available, to take care of other issues important for the community.

0

Video Port of Port Arthur Terminal 4K

published on 18 October 2020

The sun was out and was a beautiful day, I was searching for a light house in the area and there was one in Cameron, La. I started my way to the light house not thinking how bad Cameron was hard hit by two hurricanes. After a few dozen downed power poles I was met with the National Guard and the Po Po. Needless to say I turned around and I had passed the port so I decided to drone this area. Not a bad place and a ship was being assisted by two pilot boats. I never tire with maritime...

0

Video Maiden call Ever Act, Worlds largest eases from Felixstowe 9 with 4 Svitzer tugs 27th October 2021

published on 29 October 2021

The Ever Act, the worlds largest and the second to be built out of a series of 12 record breaking vessels prepares to depart Felixstowe Berth 9 with a maximum draught of 10.2 metres for her next port of Hamburg.  As the DFDS ferry was heading inbound at the North Shipwash, Harwich VTS had asked then to make best speed so they planned to get the Suecia Seaways through before the Ever Act broke away. A Harwich Haven Pilot Launch heads over from Harwich with a pilot for the Ever Act....

0

Opinion A few words about pilot safety and Merry Christmas

by Frank Diegel - published on 23 December 2021

My personal impression is that a lot has changed in terms of safety in the last two years. Non-compliance with current legislation that directly affects the safety of pilots is now no longer tolerated by many stakeholders. Something is happening. And that is a good thing.

1

Article EU aims to exempt Pilot Services from Russia Oil Ban

by Bloomberg, Europe - published on 4 October 2022

The European Union proposed making so-called pilot services exempt from sanctions targeting the transfer of Russian oil that are set to kick in this year to punish Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.

2

Video Presentation of manned ship models at Port Revel Shiphandling Training Centre

published on 24 October 2019

Port Revel is used for shiphandling training of maritime pilots, masters and officers on a 5 ha lake with 11 manned model ships representing 20 vessels, and 4 tugs at scale 1:25 and DGPS tracking system. Instructors are former maritime pilots.
Training on the scale models provides experience that could never be gained on real ships for the simple reason that neither ship-owners nor local authorities would allow such risks to be taken. Scale models allow the shiphandler to make mistakes....

0

Video Climbing Pilot Ladder - 360° video in all directions

by River Pilot Kris De Decker - published on 5 October 2022

Editors note: Great video with a brilliant technique: Move your phone while watching and see the different angles of the full 360 degree view. Amazing!
A big thank you to Kris de Decker.

4