The Danish Emergency Management Agency has authorized DanPilot and Danelec to launch a groundbreaking 18-month test program for remote pilotage, a global first. This initiative enables pilots to navigate ships from a control center in Randers, Denmark, using advanced data transmitted from vessels, eliminating the need for physical boarding.

The program, set to take place in the Kattegat and western Baltic Sea, aims to enhance safety, reduce CO? emissions, and improve operational efficiency in maritime navigation. By guiding selected ships remotely, pilots avoid the risks associated with boarding vessels, a historically hazardous task.

“This approval represents a major advancement, unlocking new opportunities for safety, environmental sustainability, and cost-effective operations in the maritime industry,” DanPilot announced in a statement.

The initiative reflects six years of dedicated development by DanPilot and Danelec. “Remote pilotage enhances our safety, lowers emissions, and reduces costs for our clients. This test is a pivotal moment to explore its transformative potential for the pilotage sector,” said Erik Merkes Nielsen, CEO of DanPilot.

The program’s outcomes could redefine maritime pilotage, setting a new standard for technology-driven navigation worldwide.