- Denmark has launched the world’s first remote pilotage test program allowing pilots to guide ships from land using real-time data.
- The system reduces the need for physical boarding, cutting down fuel use, CO₂ emissions, and logistics costs.
Denmark launches the world’s first remote pilotage test program, approved by the Danish Emergency Management Agency. Developed over six years by DanPilot and Danelec, the program enables pilots to guide ships from land using advanced real-time data from vessels. This groundbreaking initiative marks a major step toward a more digital, efficient, and sustainable maritime infrastructure, based on the report published by Danelec.
Scope and Operational Framework of the Test Phase
The goal of the program is to improve pilot safety and reduce fuel consumption without compromising navigational integrity. Ships no longer need to change course or speed to embark on a pilot, which helps lower fuel usage and reduces the need for pilot boats, contributing to both climate goals and operational efficiency.
The test will serve as a blueprint for future regulation and broader adoption, both within Denmark and internationally. The pilot program will take place in the Kattegat and the western Baltic Sea, using a control center located in Randers. Selected ships, meeting specific technical standards, will be remotely piloted through these waters, making up around 10 percent of DanPilot’s total pilotage operations.
The 18-month test phase will include approximately 50 pilotages, focusing only on vessels with a draft under 13 meters and on routes where pilotage is not compulsory. Key partners in the project include major shipping companies such as Maersk, which is contributing vessels for the test.
The technology powering remote pilotage comes from Danelec, whose systems collect and transmit critical ship data—such as course, speed, and position—through the vessel’s Voyage Data Recorder (VDR). This information is sent in real-time to DanPilot’s control center, where pilots use Danelec’s software to monitor and guide vessels with precision from shore. With this initiative, Denmark reaffirms its position at the forefront of maritime innovation, setting a new standard for safety, sustainability, and digital transformation at sea.
Leaders about Remote Pilotage Advancements
Erik Merkes Nielsen, CEO of DanPilot, said that remote pilotage represents a significant advancement in maritime safety and sustainability. He noted that the initiative not only improves the safety of pilot operations but also contributes to lowering CO₂ emissions and operational costs for clients.
Casper Jensen, CEO of Danelec, described the project as both a technological milestone and a strategic move toward safer, more sustainable maritime operations. He highlighted Danelec’s role in delivering the digital infrastructure necessary for remote navigation and cybersecurity remains a strong element in ensuring the safe and scalable implementation of the solution across the global maritime industry.
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Source: Danelec
