Welcome to Elbe - Pilot

We provide compulsory and voluntary pilotage service on the River Elbe. Our district covers the area between the "E 3" buoy in the German Bight up to the port of Hamburg, including all ports and berths on the River Elbe. Our four pilot stations are: Hamburg, Brunsbüttel, Cuxhaven and the sea station "ELBE" near the "ELBE” light buoy. We board the vessels 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and help to navigate them safely to their destination. The sea station near the "ELBE” light buoy is the principal station for all vessels entering the River Elbe. Brunsbüttel pilot station is the interface for all inbound and outbound vessels to and from the port of Hamburg and the Kiel Canal. We operate all-weather pilot boats for pilot changes in German Bight, Elbe Estuary, Brunsbüttel and Hamburg.