Remote work is coming for marine pilots.

The WSJ Logistics Report writes that a test of new technology in Denmark is proving that pilotage can be done from a desk dozens of miles from sea.

Marine pilots are specially trained mariners who board ships in all weather to guide vessels through treacherous local waters and into and out of harbors.

Proponents of the new technology, which taps into a ship’s black box and transmits the data to shore, say piloting ships from land can save fuel, cut costs and curb pollution because enormous ships don’t have to slow down for pilots. Backers also tout the systems’ safety because it relieves pilots of having to board ships day and night, sometimes in rough seas.

The tests in Denmark come as fears grow that robots and artificial intelligence are replacing workers across many industries. The maritime sector is a key battleground, with labor unions like the International Longshoremen's Association pushing back against remote and autonomous operation of ships, cranes and other port equipment.

Some pilots are skeptical about the remote technology. The International Maritime Pilots’ Association fears some proponents of remote pilotage are motivated by commercial concerns, when the focus should stay on the safe movement of ships.

Steep tariffs on China aren’t enough to stop General Motors reaching across the Pacific Ocean for batteries.

GM plans to import batteries from China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology to power its second-generation Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle, a supply-chain Band-Aid for a company that touts extensive investments in U.S. battery manufacturing.

The WSJ’s Christopher Otts reports that the move illustrates how U.S. automakers and battery manufacturers are lagging China in the ability to make cheaper batteries.

GM says the arrangement is a stopgap as it works to manufacture its own lower-cost batteries made with lithium iron phosphate or “LFP” chemistry. The automaker will have to swallow tariffs of about 80%, according to logistics management firm CargoTrans.

LFP batteries are about 35% cheaper to make than their nickel- and cobalt-based alternatives, according to research and advisory firm Telemetry. The firm says that combined with other ways GM has learned to cut costs in its EVs, the new Bolt with Chinese batteries may still be marginally profitable.

• U.S. battery startup Lyten has agreed to buy the remaining European assets of bankrupt Swedish battery maker Northvolt. (WSJ)
• Contemporary Amperex Technology has suspended production at a major lithium mine in China for at least three months. (Bloomberg)

Ireland’s factory output fell sharply in June as exports to the U.S. halved. (WSJ)

Chinese chip maker Semiconductor Manufacturing International said tariffs are having a limited impact on demand. (WSJ)

China’s auto sales grew more slowly last month as demand began to cool. (WSJ)

U.K. antitrust officials effectively cleared Boeing’s acquisition of fuselage maker Spirit AeroSystems. (WSJ)

Under Armour expects to face further hurdles as tariffs hinder the sportswear brand’s turnaround plan. (WSJ)

Chinese shipping giant Cosco is seeking a 20% to 30% stake in a $23 billion ports deal that involves key Panama Canal assets. (Financial Times)

Chinese EV startup Leapmotor has secured its own car carrier to support an international expansion. (CnEVPost)

Canada plans to develop a remote northern port on Hudson Bay to export commodities and reduce its dependence on the U.S. (Marine Insight)

Mark R. Long is editor of WSJ Logistics Report. Reach him at mark.long@wsj.com. Follow the WSJ Logistics Report team on LinkedIn: Mark R. Long, Liz Young and Paul Berger.