“Marine pilots are specially-trained mariners who board ships in all weathers to guide them through treacherous local waters, and into and out of harbors. Andersen is among the first in his centuries-old profession to test technology that enables pilots to virtually board and guide vessels.

Remote pilotage is one of several emerging technologies including autonomous ships and robotic cargo handling under development in the shipping industry. Proponents say piloting ships from shore can save fuel, cut costs and curb pollution because enormous ships don’t have to slow down for pilots.

Brian Schmidt Nielsen, the head of Danish-owned pilot service DanPilot’s remote pilotage project, said it could also help make up for a looming shortage of pilots as fewer seafarers enter and stick with the industry, even in places with deep nautical traditions, such as Denmark.

Marine pilots are specially-trained mariners who board ships in all weathers to guide them through treacherous local waters, and into and out of harbors. Andersen is among the first in his centuries-old profession to test technology that enables pilots to virtually board and guide vessels.

Remote pilotage is one of several emerging technologies including autonomous ships and robotic cargo handling under development in the shipping industry. Proponents say piloting ships from shore can save fuel, cut costs and curb pollution because enormous ships don’t have to slow down for pilots.

Brian Schmidt Nielsen, the head of Danish-owned pilot service DanPilot’s remote pilotage project, said it could also help make up for a looming shortage of pilots as fewer seafarers enter and stick with the industry, even in places with deep nautical traditions, such as Denmark.”

From Wall Street Journal.