For more than three decades, PSM has been at the forefront of developing and delivering specialised tank gauging solutions for naval vessels worldwide.
Our journey began in the 1990s with the development of a unique submersible differential pressure transmitter, designed to retrofit the UK Navy’s Type 42 frigates. These vessels featured an innovative system where fuel oil tanks were linked and pressurised by a seawater header tank. As fuel was consumed, seawater maintained the tanks at full capacity, enhancing vessel stability. Measuring the actual fuel content relied on the different specific gravities (S.G.) of fuel oil and seawater, using a seawater-filled reference leg within each tank for comparison. A similar approach continues to be used today for ballast tank gauging onboard submarines.
Following this success, we introduced a specially developed TDR radar transmitter for the Type 22 class, providing precise measurement of the interface point between two liquids.
Although both classes are now decommissioned, PSM has continued to work on their successors in the Type 23 class. With the move to conventional vented tanks, we introduced our first generation of digital programmable hydrostatic transmitters. Today, an ongoing retrofit programme for the Type 23 fleet is supported by our second (and current) generation digital transmitters, the advanced APT1000.
Beyond these flagship projects, PSM has delivered numerous solutions for the UK Navy and international navies, supporting a wide range of vessels including Offshore Patrol Boats, Frigates, Corvettes, Submarines, and Naval Support Vessels. Our expertise spans both conventional analogue and hybrid digital level transmitters.
Complementing our transmitter technologies, PSM’s central display systems have evolved in step with increasingly complex operational and regulatory requirements.
Today’s cutting-edge tank gauging solutions leverage the multi-drop digital connection systems that we pioneered. This innovation significantly reduces cabling, installation, and maintenance costs while offering flexible multi-location displays and seamless integration with a vessel’s Integrated Platform Management System.
At PSM, we combine forward-thinking innovation with a commitment to long-term support. Naval systems are a lifetime investment, often requiring through-life support for 30+ years. Every new solution we develop is designed with backward compatibility in mind. Our current transmitters are engineered to replace earlier generations, or obsolete third-party systems, while our new central acquisition and display units are now being deployed to upgrade systems we supplied over two decades ago.
At any given time, PSM is proud to have multiple active projects supporting naval vessels across five different navies, delivering solutions ranging from small Corvettes to large Naval Support Vessels.
With decades of proven experience, we understand the unique demands of naval platforms, from operational requirements and comprehensive documentation to training support and the emerging imperative of cybersecurity. We are proud to continue serving this dynamic and challenging sector, supporting naval excellence across the globe.
