Navigating labor scarcity: Vessel maneuvers autonomously - Method for Addressing Personnel Scarcity: Remotely Operating Ships
Remotely Operated Ships Tackle Industry's Labor Shortage
In a pioneering six-month trial, a container ship named "Niedersachsen 2" is sailing through a canal near Lüneburg without an onboard crew. The vessel is being controlled remotely from a shore-based center in Duisburg, as Cologne-based shipping company HGK Shipping seeks to prove the maturity of technology for remote-controlled inland vessels.
This innovative approach could alleviate the industry's critical labor shortage. Instead of spending extended periods away from home, ship pilots will now work in regular office jobs and return to their personal lives after hours.
Steffen Bauer, CEO of HGK Shipping, sees this as a significant step toward boosting the profession's appeal to qualified workers: "Remote operation is a powerful lever for enhancing the attractiveness of the profession when recruiting skilled labor."
Competitor Rhenus is also pursuing a similar strategy, with plans to equip its fleet with remote control bridges by 2030. "We believe that we can create attractive jobs for our ship pilots in the future with this technology," says Herbert Berger, Managing Director of Rhenus Ship Management.
German federal transport minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) supports the project, emphasizing the inland waterway as the country's only readily available mode of transport. He urges that the labor shortage should not hinder the sector's potential growth.
The advancement of remote-controlled shipping technology goes beyond addressing labor challenges in the inland shipping industry. Developments in robotics, automation, digital infrastructure, and AI contribute to increased operational efficiency and reduced labor requirements in a range of maritime operations.
However, questions remain regarding the integration and development of complex systems, regulatory frameworks, and ensuring crew welfare even as automation advances. The International Maritime Organization and national authorities are working to establish safety standards to promote the wide-scale deployment of remote and autonomous vessels.
As of 2025, remote-controlled shipping is undergoing active development and limited operational use. While full autonomy remains a goal for the future, the technology offers a promising solution to labor shortages in the inland shipping sector.
Vocational training in remote operation systems for inland ship pilots can be a crucial aspect in addressing the industry's labor shortage, as proved by HGK Shipping's trial with the Niedersachsen 2 ship. The integration of technology in maritime operations, such as remote control, digital infrastructure, and AI, can contribute to creating attractive jobs and improve operational efficiency.
