Control Systems

(Photo: Seakeeper)

Seakeeper Opens Dealer Training Site in Italy

Seakeeper, a developer of marine motion control systems, has launched a new training facility in San Salvatore, Italy. This European location will enhance training access for partners outside North America, helping to build a global network of skilled technicians to support Seakeeper’s expanding customer base.“Our dedication to continuous improvement goes beyond our products; it’s also about the people who support them,” said Seakeeper president and CEO Andrew Semprevivo. “Our new training facility in Italy is part of our commitment to ensuring our partners are the best in the industry.

(Image: Dockmate)

Dockmate Docking Solutions Available on All Maritimo Vessels

Dockmate, manufacturer of wireless remote-control systems for yachts, announced it has been selected by Maritimo Americas as a choice for remote control docking solutions for all Maritimo vessels.Easy to install, the Dockmate remote control system lets captains and crew operate engines, bow and stern thrusters, anchor winches and horns from anywhere on board with a small handheld device. The wireless remote control lets users confidently command the boat’s movement while stepping away from the helm for the best vantage point.

Image courtesy Sea Machines Robotics

Sea Machines Debuts AI-ris Computer Vision for Commercial Vessels

Marine perception sensor aims to provide high-def situational awareness to eliminate at-sea collisions and allisionsSea Machines Robotics unveiled AI-ris (Artificial Intelligence Recognition and Identification System), a new marine computer-vision navigation sensor designed to improve safety and performance while vessels are underway. Sea Machines’ AI-ris uses digital cameras and AI-processing to detect, track, classify and geolocate objects, vessel traffic and other potential obstacles in the majority of operational conditions, day or night.

(Image: Rolls-Royce)

Rolls-Royce Unveils New Automation Systems With Sea Machines Tech

Rolls-Royce is expanding its range of mtu NautIQ ship automation systems with three new products offering different levels of intelligent crew support, autonomous control and remote command capabilities.The new products—mtu NautIQ CoPilot, mtu NautIQ CoOperate and mtu NautIQ CoDirect—are the next step in the cooperation between Rolls-Royce and autonomous control and remote-vessel command systems developer Sea Machines Robotics, which was first announced in September 2021.The most advanced intelligent pilot assist system of the new product range…

Jalal Bouhdada, CEO, Applied Risk, and Liv A. Hovem, CEO of DNV’s Accelerator, a new business area dedicated to rapidly growing new DNV businesses, services and solutions. Image courtesy DNV

DNV Aims to Bolster Maritime Cyber Defense with Acquisition of Applied Risk

DNV will acquire industrial cyber security specialist Applied Risk, aiming to build the world’s largest industrial cyber security practice.Cyber threats to the maritime community is a large and growing problem, with the maritime industry experiencing a 400% increase in attempted attacks between February and June 2020, according to Naval Dome. As proven by well-publicized examples in recent years, recovery can cost hundreds of millions of dollars and can effectively shutter global operations for extended periods.In January 2021…

Rolls-Royce and Sea Machines Robotics are to collaborate on comprehensive remote command, autonomous control and intelligent crew support systems for the marine market. Denise Kurtulus, Vice President Global Marine at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, and Michael Johnson, CEO and founder of Sea Machines, signed the strategic cooperation agreement at Monaco Yacht Show. (Photo: Rolls-Royce)

Rolls-Royce and Sea Machines Partner on Autonomous Ship Control Solutions

Rolls-Royce and Sea Machines Robotics announced they are working together to deliver remote command, autonomous control and intelligent crew support systems to the marine market.As part of this agreement, Rolls-Royce business unit Power Systems and Sea Machines, the developer of remote-vessel command and autonomous control systems, will join forces on the development and sale of fully and semi-autonomous vessel control systems.Michael Johnson, CEO and founder of Sea Machines, said…

This screen design is customized for diesel-electric application. Any information and signals collected and transmitted by Emerson’s AVENTICS Marex system can be sent via the Open Protocol Modbus TCP/IP to touch screens and main displays of the ship. (image courtesy of Emerson)

Customized Hybrid Drives Make Waves in Yachting and Passenger Service

Ecologically friendly, customized hybrid drives and ship control systems are gaining popularity with inland-water vessels.Once mostly found powering mega- and superyachts, hybrid drives are now finding their way onto commercial and private yachts from 33’ to 80’. The attraction is due to the hybrid drive’s sustainability. The combination of diesel and electric motors uses less fuel than a strictly gasoline motor without sacrificing performance. For instance, a megayacht that holds…

(Photo: Dockmate)

Dockmate Unveils New Wireless Remote Control Hardware

Dockmate, manufacturer of wireless remote controls for yachts, announced today its next generation of receivers that are built with advanced hardware and communication features.The new Dockmate receiver includes a modernized look and rugged design that is fully compatible with all electronic engine and thruster controls. The receiver is made completely of aluminum, waterproof to IP67 rating and measures a mere 9-inches by 8-inches by 3-inches. Additionally, installation is made easier with four newly-incorporated outside mounting slots…

(Image: Caterpillar Marine)

Caterpillar Marine Launches Gen II Displays

Caterpillar Marine has unveiled its second-generation Cat Marine Displays (CMD) used for monitoring all engine platforms, supporting different vessel applications for professional maritime use.The three CMD variants—Cat CMD5 (5” display), CMD8 (8” display), and CMD13 (13.3” display)—designed to provide operators easy access to current operating data and alarms for engines. The new displays are type-approved and environmentally sealed to be waterproof for a wide range of temperature operations.

Brunswick Corp. named Jason Arbuckle to a newly formed role of Marine Autonomy Technology Lead.

Brunswick Appoints Arbuckle as Marine Autonomy Technology Lead

Brunswick Corporation, in a move to to build on its ACES (Autonomy, Connectivity, Electrification & Shared Access) strategy to develop solutions to further improve boater experiences, named Jason Arbuckle to a newly formed role of Marine Autonomy Technology Lead. Arbuckle joined Mercury Marine in 1997 and has since advanced through the company, working to lead some of the company’s many award-winning innovative technology solutions. Throughout his career, Arbuckle has been instrumental…

Optimus 5000 Electronic Power Steering System (Image: Dometic)

Dometic Electric Power Steering Earns RINA Certification

Dometic’s Vancouver facility has received RINA Approval and Certification for its Optimus 5000 Electronic Power Steering System (EPS), opening the door for growth in yachting and commercial marine markets.The Dometic Optimus 5000 EPS is engineered for inboard vessels ranging from 40 to 100-plus feet in length. Its manufacturer believes the Type Approval from the Italian classification group on the Optimus 5000 EPS for both pleasure and commercial vessels under 500 metric tons will positively impact on its marine business globally.

Logo: RMK Merrill-Stevens

Miami-Based Shipyard Adds Electronic Systems Division

Florida shipyard RMK Merrill-Stevens is adding a new Electronic Systems Division to the company.To lead the new business the company hired David Gratton, a new RMK Merrill-Stevens employee with experience in the electronics industry. Gratton’s career in electronics began in 1980 upon entering the U.S. Air Force. Gratton later worked on the environmental testing of NASA components for Teledyne Systems Company. Gratton has specialized in navigation, communications, and audio-visual, IT/networking, and PLC systems for commercial and recreational vessels.

Photo: Hatteland Display

Hatteland Expands 4K Display Portfolio

Hatteland Display released a new 43 inch premium quality display as part of its Series X MVD product family. Hatteland Display’s latest UHD system features the same 4K panel technology as existing Series X MVD variants, all of which are designed to deliver the brightest, clearest picture for the safe and effective operation of bridge navigation and control systems.With 3840 × 2160 pixels compared to 1920 x 1080 on Full High Definition (FHD) displays, UHD is a significant technology improvement that empowers maritime technology manufacturers to develop new…

Shipyard rendering courtesy
 RMKMS

RMK Merrill-Stevens introduces electronics division.

The refit on the Miami River continues as RMK Merrill-Stevens Shipyard (RMKMS) introduces a marine electronics service and sales division led by David Gratton, past chairman of National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA). Gratton is an expert outfitting megayachts with complete electronics systems, having serviced and installed equipment on thousands of vessels with Martek of Palm Beach, which closed in 2018. During his tenure at Martek and on NMEA’s board, Gratton pioneered…

Photo: Mercury Marine

‘Assisted Docking’ System for Outboards

A revolutionary “assisted docking” system that provides a glimpse into the future of boating will be demonstrated at two upcoming events by Mercury Marine and Raymarine aboard a Boston Whaler Outrage. The first event will take place at Mercury’s famed Lake X test center and another demonstration to take place at the 2019 Miami International Boat Show. Integrating Raymarine DockSense assisted-docking is a natural “next step” for Mercury, which introduced Zeus joystick docking, an advanced joystick system for pod drives, in 2007.

Chris Craft Launch 35GT courtesy Chris Craft

Chris Craft, Princess Introduce 2019 Launches at FLIBS

With millions of dollars and almost 2,000 of the world’s most spectacular brokerage vessels and megayachts displayed in one place at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), it’s almost possible to overlook notable new launches for production boats and semi-custom megayachts.Chris Craft Launch 35GTOn the water or on the deck, nothing else looks – or feels – like a Chris-Craft. An iconic brand renowned for understated class, style and sportiness, Chris Craft epitomizes…

(Image: Rolls-Royce)

New MTU Hybrid Propulsion Systems Introduced

As of 2020, Rolls-Royce will launch a range of completely integrated MTU hybrid ship propulsion systems onto the market. The propulsion systems will be made available for yachts, workboats, ferries and patrol boats in a power range extending from around 1,000 kilowatts to 4,000 kilowatts per powertrain.“The combination of diesel engines and electric motors, in addition to batteries, will offer our customers significant benefits in a variety of marine applications. The most important being efficiency…

Photo: Simrad

Simrad Announces A2004 Autopilot Controller

The new Simrad A2004 is a dedicated autopilot controller designed to meet the needs of workboat, commercial fishing and passenger vessels. The A2004 is suited for vessels that don’t require SOLAS Heading Control Systems but do require a proven autopilot interface backed by Continuum software for accuracy and ease of use. The autopilot’s information is presented on a wide-angle and zero-fog color display and is engineered for responsiveness and ease of use with a precision rotary control dial and dedicated buttons for instant access to steering modes…

Navico Acquires Naviop

Marine electronics manufacturer Navico, parent company to the Lowrance, Simrad and B&G brands, announced it has finalized an agreement to acquire marine monitoring and control systems provider Naviop. Providing the integration framework to capture data from all boating systems, Naviop creates a digital ecosystem on boats outfitted with Simrad, Lowrance and B&G marine electronics, with the multifunction display serving as the hub for complete system control and information. “For years, auto manufacturers have provided consumers with a complete integration solution at their fingertips…