Remote Pilotage

BACKGROUND

Existing regulations in the Singapore port mandate vessels 300GT and above to engage the service of authorised pilots for navigation within the port. This process involves pilots transferring to vessels via pilot launches, completing their tasks onboard, and then transferring to other vessels as needed. However, the current operational model limits each pilot to handling one vessel at a time, with 40% of their shift spent travelling between jobs. How might we develop solution(s) to support and enable remote pilotage?

SIGNIFICANCE OF PROBLEM

This operational model poses safety risks for pilots during boarding and disembarking stages, as they approach vessels—whether stationary or moving—via pilot launches and use the vessels' means, including boarding ladders, to come onboard. To address safety and efficiency concerns, the concept of "remote pilotage" is being explored. Remote pilotage involves licensed pilots conducting piloting duties from off-board positions.

In collaboration with MPA and PSA Marine, ST Engineering developed the Remote Assistance Pilotage Advisory (RAPA) System, tested in 2018. While successful, challenges remain for full RAPA implementation:

• Poor weather conditions: Rain may impact network coverage, affecting the system's reliability.
• High demand: With over 400 pilotage moves daily, network coverage must accommodate significant traffic.
• Video quality requirements: Minimum resolution standards need confirmation to ensure effective communication.

EXISTING EFFORTS

Three cameras, each with a resolution of 1920 x 420, were utilized onboard. These cameras streamed data back to shore using LTE technology, with an estimated bandwidth consumption of 0.4Mbps. However, there were issues with lagging in areas where the throughput dropped below 0.1Mbps.

SOLUTION SUCCESS PARAMETERS

The goal is to develop a solution that can compress data packages for ship-shore transmission without introducing lag. Additionally, it should ensure that the minimum required video quality is maintained throughout the transmission process.

POTENTIAL SOLUTION SPACES

To provide the shore-based pilot with adequate situational awareness and a clear view of the vessel for safe maneuvering, real-time video imagery from onboard cameras and shore-based long-range electro-optical systems are utilized, alongside AIS, sensors, and radar systems. However, the current data package size leads to issues such as video loss, freeze, or poor quality. The challenge lies in optimizing the data package for seamless ship-shore communication using a 5G network, without compromising video quality.