From Ship to Shore: Understanding Cognitive Challenges in Remote Pilotage Operations

Book chapter, 2025

Pilotage is one of the foremost safety measures provided by coastal states to ensure safe and efficient movement of vessels to ports. Pilotage is conducted by experienced navigators with expert knowledge of the local navigational landscape and traffic flows. Traditionally, pilots board a vessel and remain physically co-located with the ship’s bridge team throughout the operations. In recent years, several research projects have explored the possibility of remote pilotage, where the pilot can perform the same functions while being located on shore. These developments are largely driven by the technological advances enabling novel modes of communication and information exchange. In this study, we report findings from six semi-structured interviews with pilots who are being trained in remote pilotage operations in a Scandinavian port. The results highlight cognitive challenges that the participants experience as pilotage operations are reimagined to be conducted from a shore station. While this study is focused on pilotage, the identified challenges also highlight potential risks for and may inform the design of remote vessel control, e.g. for maritime autonomous surface ships.