Electronic Marine Systems Inc

What Electronic Marine Systems Inc does

Electronic Marine Systems Inc (EMS, dba EMS MARCON) is a privately held U.S. maritime automation company founded in 1979 and headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey, with manufacturing centralized in Redmond, Washington and design/engineering sales offices on the East, Gulf, and West Coasts. The company designs and builds integrated marine electronics — tank gauging sensors (The Ballast, The Bubbler, The Radar, The Gauger, The Sea Switch, The Sea Switch Two), vessel automation consoles (Big Green, Little Green, Generator Switch, Data Bus Panels, Big Blue displays), and vessel performance monitoring (P3 Propulsion Performance Processing using proprietary AI-based Eurisic analysis, plus Navigator 24 GPS and PMS 6100/601 power management systems). Many products carry ABS, USCG, FM, and Lloyd's certifications, enabling deployment across commercial, government, and military marine segments.

EMS earns revenue through three streams: sale of proprietary hardware systems, custom systems integration and installation services, and ongoing technical support. Distribution is a direct enterprise sales motion through the three coast-based engineering sales offices, targeting commercial vessel operators, shipping companies, and government maritime agencies. Customer references span the Panama Canal Commission, Exxon Marine (Seariver), ARCO Marine, Hvide Shipping, Military Sealift Command, and the Russian fleet of dry cargo vessels.

The company positions technology innovation as its central value proposition, investing over 15% of annual gross revenue into R&D and maintaining a cadence of at least two new product releases per year over the past seven years. Quantified customer outcomes cited include 5-7% fuel consumption reduction with P3, 0.1mm factory calibration on The Radar, 0.25% accuracy on The Ballast, two-man crew operation enabled for harbor assist vessels, 10,000+ Gauger systems in service worldwide, and 15,000 tanks equipped with Ballast sensors. The installed base across decades of operation implies a long-tail customer mix dominated by U.S. domestic commercial marine operators, with select government and international accounts.

Name

Electronic Marine Systems Inc

Legal name

Electronic Marine Systems, Inc.

Website

https://emsmarcon.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Electronic Marine Systems Inc designs and manufactures marine automation, tank gauging, and vessel performance monitoring systems — including patented sensors, ABS/USCG-approved consoles, and AI-based P3 fuel optimization — for U.S. commercial, government, and military vessel operators.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Automation Systems

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829), Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine Sensors, Instrumentation & IoT (Condition Monitoring) (IMAJAJAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Integrated Marine Electrical Systems & Switchboards (IMAJAJAA), Propulsion Control, Monitoring & Automation (ECS, PMS interface) (IMAJAHAH), Electrical Engineering & Power Distribution (Generation, Switchboards, Cabling, Lighting) (IMAJAGAF)

Keywords

• Marine automation systems
• Tank gauging equipment
• Vessel performance monitoring
• Marine electronics manufacturing
• Marine sensors and controls

Headquarters

HQ city

Rahway

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Marine Electronics Hardware Systems: Sale of proprietary marine automation, tank gauging, and vessel performance monitoring hardware systems including sensors, consoles, and displays
2. Systems Integration and Installation: Custom engineering and integration services for vessel automation systems including design, installation, and commissioning
3. Technical Support and Maintenance: National product and technical support services from three design and engineering sales locations

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels2 records

Core offering

Electronic Marine Systems designs, manufactures, and supports proprietary marine automation, tank gauging, and vessel performance monitoring hardware systems — including smart level sensors (The Bubbler, The Radar, The Sea Switch Two, The Ballast, The Sea Switch, The Gauger), modular consoles (Big Green, Little Green, Data Bus Panels, Big Blue), generator controls (Generator Switch), and the P3 propulsion performance monitoring system — sold to commercial vessel operators, shipping companies, shipyards, and government maritime agencies in the United States.

Product overview

Electronic Marine Systems Inc offers a comprehensive marine technology product portfolio organized into three main categories: Automation Systems (Big Green, Little Green, Generator Switch, Data Bus Panels), Tank Gauging Solutions (The Ballast, The Bubbler, The Radar, The Gauger, The Sea Switch, The Sea Switch Two, Big Blue), and Vessel Performance Monitoring (P3 Propulsion Performance Processing). The products share common data integration standards including 4-20mA output and RS485 connectivity, and are designed to work together as an integrated marine automation ecosystem. The company also provides specialized systems including the Navigator 24 GPS, PMS 6100 automation system, and Radar Target Voice Recorder for specialized marine applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Sea Switch Two: Smart electronic level switch with no moving parts for all tank applications. Uses acoustic wave propagation in a metallic rod for liquid level detection.
• The Radar
• The Bubbler
• The Ballast
• The Sea Switch
• The Gauger
• Big Blue
• Big Green
• Little Green
• Generator Switch
• Data Bus Panels
• P3 Technology

Products and services

• The Bubbler Smart pneumatic level sensor with generic 4-20mA output for electro-pneumatic level measurement in liquid tanks, featuring automatic cycling, over-pressure protection, automatic one-way backflow prevention valve, automatic cleaning of the bubbling line, and CENELEC explosion-proof housing with 0.3% full-scale accuracy.
• The Radar Smart radar level sensor with generic RS485 output featuring the first flat array antenna for liquid tank gauging, self-diagnostic and self-configuration capabilities, factory calibration via laser interferometer to 0.1 mm accuracy, and EEx ia IIB T4 intrinsic safety approvals.
• The Sea Switch Two Patented smart electronic level switch with no moving parts, using acoustic wave propagation through a metallic rod with a piezo-electric sensing element for liquid level detection in cargo, ballast, and storage tanks, with FM Class 1, Div. 1, Group D and C intrinsically safe approvals.
• The Sea Switch Level sensor specifically designed for shipboard use, constructed of 316 stainless steel and Teflon, waterproof and replaceable without venting to atmosphere, intrinsically safe for Class I, Division I, Group C and D atmospheres, with FM-approved beacon, horn, and shutdown receptacle options.
• The Gauger Closed tank gauging system designed for military and shipboard applications with over 10,000 units in service worldwide, 1/10th inch level accuracy, at-sea mode alarms for leak detection, FM-approved beacon and horn on deck, and USCG approvals.
• The Ballast Smart strain gauge level sensor with generic 4-20mA output, weighing less than 2 oz and constructed from 100% pure titanium, designed for ballast tank continuous monitoring with 0.25% full-scale accuracy, FM Class 1 Div. 1 intrinsically safe, and ABS/USCG/Lloyd's approved; in use on 15,000 tanks worldwide.
• Big Blue USCG and ABS approved on-deck cargo loading display providing comprehensive cargo management information including tank ullages, temperatures, pressures, pump status, and alarm set points for tank ships and barges, FM approved for Class I, Division I, Group C and D operation and explosion-proof.
• Big Green Console System Lightweight modular console system that replaces hard-wired embedded technology for vessel control rooms, featuring data-bus monitoring and control, modular design, fail-safe redundant CPUs, and ABS and USCG approved for all levels of manning (ACC, ACCU, ABCU).
• Generator Switch System Generator control system for two generators with remote control and automatic transfer capability, featuring continuous monitoring of lubricating oil pressure, cooling water temperature, voltage and frequency, with automatic transfer in less than seven seconds and ABS and USCG approvals.
• Little Green Compact modular console designed to fit into any ECR for refit or new construction, featuring ACC certification, data-bus control and monitoring, and lightweight design for easy assembly and maintenance access.
• Data Bus Panels Bridge control and monitoring system that reduces space requirements to 8-1/2 x 11 inch panels using data-bus technology to eliminate cable runs while maintaining ABS and USCG approved control and monitoring of all vessel systems.
• P3 Propulsion Performance Processing Vessel performance monitoring technology using proprietary algorithms (Eurisic/AI-style analysis) for online propulsion loading assessment and optimization of voyage in reaction to changing sea and wind conditions, achieving 5-7% fuel reduction with no reduction in vessel speed, with a documented 7.5% fuel reduction in test conditions.
• Navigator 24 24-channel GPS system providing high-accuracy horizontal position and speed sensor for marine navigation, achieving 10-meter horizontal position accuracy worldwide without differential corrections and 0.1 knot speed accuracy.
• PMS 6100 Power Management System Power management system providing machinery-controlled automation for vessel operations, including wall mount console design and closed-loop software control with engine test bed curves for pump overload alerts, ABS and USCG approved (used on Panama Canal Commission Dredge Mindi and Upper Lakes 'Power Pack' tug).
• EMS Radar Target Voice Recorder Recording system that captures and records radar images and voice communications from vessel radio, used by the U.S. Coast Guard as evidence in accident investigations (e.g., Bright Field / River Walk incident recorded by Ohio River Co. Lockmaster).

Quantifiable outcome

• 5-7% fuel consumption reduction with no reduction in vessel speed
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• American Bureau of ShippingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegulatory partnership for vessel classification and approval. EMS products including Big Green console, Generator Switch, Ballast sensors, and Big Blue display have received ABS approval for marine use. ABS approval is critical for market access in commercial marine sector.
• US Coast GuardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegulatory partnership for vessel safety and operational approvals. Multiple EMS products including Big Green console, Generator Switch, and Big Blue display have received USCG approval. Critical for commercial vessel market access.
• Panama Canal CommissioncoreTechnology or IntegrationSelected EMS MARCON to refit the Dredge Mindi with state-of-the-art machinery controlled ABS/USCG approved automation system (PMS 6100). Major infrastructure modernization project demonstrating regulatory-grade capabilities.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Wärtsilä (Voyage / Marine Systems): Global marine technology major offering integrated automation, navigation, propulsion control, and vessel performance solutions. Competes with EMS at the high end of vessel automation and fuel optimization but serves a much broader global fleet across all vessel segments.
• Japan Radio Co. (JRC): Established marine electronics manufacturer offering navigation, communication, automation, and tank gauging systems worldwide. Overlaps with EMS's marine sensor and bridge equipment portfolio but with broader geographic coverage.
• Kongsberg Maritime: Provides integrated vessel automation, engine room monitoring, navigation, and tank gauging systems for commercial and naval marine markets. Direct competitor in integrated automation consoles and tank management, but with global scale and a much broader product portfolio.
• ABB Marine & Ports: Supplies marine automation, power management, and vessel control systems for commercial shipping. Competes with EMS in PMS/automation and electrical systems and benefits from global service network and integrated bridge-to-propeller offerings.
• Honeywell Process Solutions (Marine): Supplies industrial measurement, control, and tank gauging instrumentation with marine-relevant product lines (e.g., Enraf). Competes with EMS in tank level sensing and instrumentation, but as part of a much broader industrial portfolio.

Direct peers

• Marine Technologies LLC: U.S.-based provider of integrated vessel automation, navigation, and engine room monitoring systems primarily for inland towboats, tugboats, and harbor vessels. Closest direct peer to EMS in product, customer base, and U.S. inland waterway focus.
• Praxis Automation Technology: Provides vessel automation, alarm monitoring, power management, and tank gauging systems for commercial marine vessels globally. Directly comparable product portfolio to EMS (automation consoles, generator/power management, tank level systems).
• Tokyo Keiki Inc. Japanese manufacturer of marine navigation, automation, and instrumentation systems including tank gauging and engine monitoring. Direct competitor in marine sensors and integrated bridge/console solutions with global reach.
• Alphatron Marine: Supplies integrated bridge systems, automation, navigation, and communication solutions for commercial vessels including tankers and offshore. Comparable in scope to EMS's integrated vessel automation offering, with stronger European channel.

Emerging players

• Interschalt (Wärtsilä Voyage): Provides voyage optimization, fuel efficiency, and vessel performance monitoring solutions that directly overlap with EMS's P3 propulsion performance technology. Represents the software-defined competitive threat to EMS's hardware-centric performance monitoring offering.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance17 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Electronic Marine Systems Inc