An AIS-based analysis of the transfer of maritime pilots

This study presents a systematic analysis of maritime pilot transfer operations using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. Pilots are essential nautical service providers who enable safe navigation of ships during port calls. Their transfers are facilitated by pilot boats whose activities influence the efficiency of port calls. The methodological framework developed in this study segments ship trajectories of pilot boats into nine operational categories, with particular emphasis on embarkation and disembarkation. These events are detected using a ship domain–based identification method, enabling the recognition of transfer operations directly from AIS data. Data from three Scandinavian regions are analyzed over a ten-day period. These include ports within the Oslofjord, the port of Helsinki and the port of Copenhagen. Results show that pilot boats spend the majority of their time berthed, while embarkation and disembarkation constitute relatively small shares of total activity. Average transfer durations are approximately two to three minutes, with limited variation across ship size classes, though larger ships tend to require more time. Speed analyses further reveal distinct maneuvering phases, with higher speeds observed when a pilot is on board. The findings provide empirical reference values for pilot transfer operations and demonstrate the potential of AIS-based methods to enhance port call optimization.

Subjects

Automatic Identification System

Maritime Pilotage

Port Call Optimization

Ship Domain

Ship Trajectory Analysis

DDC Class

623.8: Naval Architecture; Shipbuilding

600: Technology

Funding(s)

Dynamic navigation and port call optimisation in real time

Options

An AIS-based analysis of the transfer of maritime pilots