Remote Pilotage Tested in Practice – ESL Shipping at the Forefront
ESL Shipping is actively involved in the Remote Pilotage MVP project coordinated by Novia, aiming to develop new solutions to improve maritime safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The company’s vessel, M/S Viikki, serves as a key test platform for the project’s technical trials. The initiative is funded by Business Finland.
During the project, new navigation technology has been installed on Viikki and tested together with the experienced crew. The crew’s contribution has been significant, as their feedback and practical experience help assess the functionality of the systems in real-world conditions.
Promising first experiences
According to ESL Shipping’s Project Manager, Jussi Vaahtikari, the project’s results have been encouraging:
"We have seen that remote pilotage has the potential to bring operational reliability and improve safety. While the technology still needs further refinement and international standardization, none of the challenges we have faced so far have been insurmountable."
Benefits for safety, the environment and efficiency
The development of remote pilotage is expected to bring benefits on many levels. Operational efficiency can reduce fuel consumption and emissions, while safer navigation lowers environmental risks. The flexibility enabled by remote piloting also offers new possibilities for tackling urgent challenges. For example, in a crisis, vessels can be redirected quickly to alternative ports.
"In practice, once the infrastructure required for remote pilotage is in place, applications can be built on top of it effortlessly. With a little additional work, the technology could also integrate safety authorities, who would then receive a direct and secure situational overview from the vessels and share it with them, if necessary," says Jussi Vaahtikari.
A good long-term investment
The systems can also help standardize navigation practices and create a more unified operational model, approaching the level of precision familiar from aviation.
From a cost perspective, remote pilotage is not expected to become prohibitively expensive but rather a sensible long-term investment.
"If the system supports navigation more broadly than just pilotage, it adds extra value for shipping companies and makes the investment attractive," says Jussi Vaahtikari.
Support for the captain
M/S Viikki’s captain, Rami Matikainen, sees significant opportunities in remote pilotage. It can be a valuable support tool for captains, especially when obtaining new pilot exemptions or operating in challenging weather conditions.
"Remote pilotage can serve as an additional observer and dialogue partner, which increases safety and provides reassurance in demanding situations," he notes.
Communication is key
Remote pilotage often involves even more thorough dialogue than traditional pilotage. Rami Matikainen emphasizes that clear communication is crucial to ensure all parties understand the situation in the same way.
Internationally, remote pilotage has already advanced significantly, particularly in Denmark, where the system is lighter and requires less equipment than in Finland. In Finland, on the other hand, more advanced technologies are being implemented, such as video feeds enhanced with augmented reality and improved radar-based systems.
A stepping stone towards maritime digitalization
According to Jussi Vaahtikari, cooperation with project partners such as Novia, has been close and straightforward. The spirit of collaboration and genuine will to solve practical problems is strongly evident in the project.
At ESL Shipping, remote pilotage is seen as a transitional step toward maritime digitalization and, in the long run, autonomous solutions. The main goal, however, remains safer and more sustainable shipping.
"We want to help ensure that the navigation technology of the future supports both safety and environmental responsibility," says Jussi Vaahtikari.
In the picture Jussi Vaahtikari. Photo: ESL Shipping.