Pilot units deployed in Mexican ports

Electronic devices used by pilots to support ship navigation have been rolled out in 25 Mexican harbours to upgrade the nation’s ports. Pilots use these portable units to display the latest electronic navigational charts in high definition to safely navigate ships into and out of harbours.

Their deployment will standardise the electronic equipment harbour pilots use, improving ship safety, says secretary general of Mexico’s Syndicate of National Port Pilots Mario Alejandro Camacho.

“Standardisation of this advanced equipment by harbour pilots will significantly enhance pilotage safety in Mexican ports, aligning with international best practices,” says Capt Camacho. “This initiative will empower members to address challenges posed by the increasing size of vessels, ensuring safe pilotage services within permitted navigation channels and manoeuvring basins. This uniformity will be particularly critical as we accommodate larger vessels and increasing cargo volumes.”

Maritime pilots have been provided with Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure’s SafePilot portable pilot unit (PPU) and navigation software covering 25 Mexican ports. This is one of the largest standardised maritime navigation projects currently underway, to address operational consistency requirements across Mexico’s diverse port network.

“This project goes beyond just upgrading equipment, it is about setting a new standard for pilotage throughout Mexico,” says Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure managing director for the navigation and piloting division, Tommy Mikkelsen. “It will standardise navigation technology across all 25 ports, creating a cohesive ecosystem that enhances safety, consistency and operational efficiency on a national scale.”

Enhanced safety protocols will enable pilots to perform more accurate navigation with improved decision-making support, while operational consistency through uniform PPUs across all ports will ensure standardised procedures and simplified training protocols.  

SafePilot PPU hardware includes independent heading capabilities and flexible dual-unit configuration enabling quick equipment swaps for uninterrupted operations. As part of this programme, Trelleborg will provide training to Mexican marine pilots on using these PPUs for ship pilotage.