Brighthouse Intelligence Ltd Involved in Developing Future Remote Pilotage Solution

UAS Novia and maritime technology companies have developed remote pilotage solutions within the Remote Pilotage MVP project, funded by Business Finland. Brighthouse completed its part of the remote pilotage project by the end of 2024. Although their share concluded on schedule, the company continues to support other organizations involved.

Data Transfer in a Critical Role

Brighthouse participated in nearly all the project’s work packages, but played a key role in work package three, which focused on the transfer of navigation data.

“Our responsibility was to solve how navigation data is transmitted from the vessel to the remote pilotage center. This was done by utilizing the standardized navigation data protocol IEC 61162-450,” says CTO Mika Tolvanen.

Brighthouse built the necessary remote connections and ensured that systems from, for example, Furuno and Groke Technologies received the data they needed from the vessel.

Cybersecurity at the Core

“This wasn’t a completely new system; rather, we further developed the solution started in the Sea for Value project,” says CEO Markku Sahlström.

The new version included more elements related to cybersecurity. Brighthouse designed the system’s connectivity architecture and selected suitable protocols and security solutions.

Data security is critical in remote pilotage: we need to ensure data reliability, security and integrity. Both pilots and vessels must be unequivocally authenticated.

Safer and More Attractive Work

Remote pilotage is primarily being developed for safety reasons.

“The pilot’s job is physically demanding and risky, especially in harsh weather conditions. Remote pilotage enables safe work from shore and may attract younger generations to the profession,” Markku Sahlström explains.

Brighthouse is motivated by the opportunity to develop new technology and influence the future of the entire industry.

“Networking with various stakeholders has brought valuable expertise and new collaboration partners. This time, several players such as Furuno and Groke Technologies were involved, which introduced integration challenges but also new perspectives,” Sahlström adds.

Towards International Markets

The first remote pilotage demonstration was conducted in 2022 as part of the Sea for Value project. The currently developed system is not tied to specific devices or shipping companies but is scalable to different environments.

The goal is to commercialize the solution and bring it to international markets. There is a particular need for remote pilotage in archipelago and busy waterways, such as in the Nordic countries, Singapore, and Spain.

Briefly about Brighthouse Intelligence

Brighthouse Intelligence Ltd is a technology company based in Turku, Finland, founded in 2015. The company specializes in remotely operated and autonomous digital solutions, particularly in the digitalization of maritime transport and shipping. Its areas of expertise include remote operation centers, sensor systems, intelligent network solutions, real-time data transmission, and cybersecurity.

Brighthouse has developed technologies such as smart fairways and remote pilotage, for which it received the DIMECC Prize in 2021. While widely used in maritime transport, the company’s solutions are also applied in areas such as city logistics, fish farming, sports arenas, and industrial automation.

Brighthouse’s office is in Turku, and the company employs around 20 people on average. Brighthouse places a strong emphasis on expertise and collaboration capabilities, with a core team of IT professionals who transitioned from the mobile phone industry to focus on maritime technology.

In the photo Markku Sahlström and Mika Tolvanen.