Author: sarah

Accurate tank measurement is fundamental to safe and efficient vessel operation. At Scanjet PSM, we understand that a tank gauging system is not simply an instrument package, it is a critical safety, compliance and operational control system.

The Primary Tank Gauging System

A typical tank gauging system utilises hydrostatic level transmitters at each measurement point or tank. These sensors provide continuous, real-time level data to a central display interface.

Live tank data can be presented in both textual and graphical formats at key vessel locations such as:

• Bridge
• Engine Room (ER)
• Cargo Control Room (CCR)

Where required, the system also provides draught indication and consolidated outputs to the vessel’s Alarm & Monitoring System (AMS), ensuring consistent and reliable data across all operational platforms.

Why Two Independent Systems May Be Required

Using Fuel Oil Service Tanks as an example, these tanks supply fuel directly to engines and generators and are therefore vital to vessel propulsion and safety. In such cases, regulations and best practice often require a secondary, fully independent method of level measurement.

Common secondary arrangements of tank gauging include:

• A local level gauge or sight glass for visual verification
• Independent high- and low-level switches for alarm activation
• Manual sounding arrangements
• A self-powered contents gauge
• A second independent level transmitter

On vessels without manual sounding pipes, two transmitters per tank may be installed. Modern systems can incorporate a redundancy feature so that if one transmitter fails, the system continues to operate and display live data without interruption. This layered approach ensures operational continuity and safeguards against single-point failure.

Ensuring Accurate Tank Monitoring Across All Operations

Reliable tank measurements are critical not just for operational control, but for safety, environmental protection, stability management and regulatory compliance. Implementing robust primary and independent secondary systems ensures vessels can operate with confidence, even in challenging conditions.

Safety & Redundancy

A properly designed dual-system approach:

• Prevents reliance on a single system for critical tanks
• Ensures accurate readings even if one system fails
• Supports safe cargo transfer and bunkering operations

Pollution Prevention

Accurate tank monitoring plays a direct role in environmental compliance. Robust gauging systems:

• Reduce the risk of overfilling
• Support MARPOL compliance
• Provide early detection of abnormal tank levels

Stability & Trim Control

Reliable tank level data is essential for:

• GM (metacentric height) calculations
• Trim and list control
• Effective ballast management

Regulatory Compliance

International Rules, including SOLAS, MARPOL, the IBC Code and the IGC Code, require:

• A primary gauging system
• An independent secondary method (manual or electronic)
• Independent high-level alarms for overfill protection

Understanding Primary and Secondary Tank Gauging Systems

Effective tank management relies on a clear distinction between primary systems, which provide continuous operational monitoring, and secondary systems, which offer independent verification and safety assurance. Together, they form a comprehensive measurement strategy that safeguards operations, supports compliance, and ensures reliability even in critical situations.

With over 50 years’ experience across all vessel types, Scanjet PSM delivers reliable, compliant and fully supported tank gauging solutions. For tailored guidance on selecting, installing or maintaining tank gauging systems for your vessel, contact us today and ensure your operations remain safe, efficient and fully compliant.

Originally developed as a functional extension of Scanjet PSM Marine’s VPM Digital Tank Gauging Systems, our Draught, Trim & Heel Display System has evolved into a dedicated solution for the precise measurement and clear display of vessel draught.

A Dedicated Monitoring System

At the centre of the system is the VPM4300 Series display, providing a full-colour graphical and textual presentation of vessel draught values.

The display shows:

• Real-time draught measurements
• Averaged draught values over a user-selectable period, for a more stable and quantifiable reading, regardless of vessel size or prevailing sea conditions

A PSM APT1000 hydrostatic pressure transmitter, mounted to the vessel hull via a sea valve, accurately measures the head pressure of seawater. The VPM system offers flexible and easy configuration, including:

• One-, two-, or four-point draught measurement setups
• Simple interconnection using Modbus multi-drop capability, minimising wiring
• Single power source requirement at the display, simplifying installation

The VPM system processes the hydrostatic pressure readings from each transmitter and applies the necessary corrections to ensure that displayed values are accurately referenced to the vessel’s Forward and Aft draught marks.

Depending on the system configuration:

• Two-draught sensors (Forward and Aft) – vessel trim can be displayed
• Four-draught sensors (Forward, Aft, Port and Starboard Midships) – vessel heel angle can also be included

Simplified Installation, Configuration and Integration

The VPM system is designed for easy installation, minimal wiring and seamless integration:

• Modbus RS485 multi-drop – connect multiple transmitters with a single line
• Single power supply – reduces installation complexity
• Optional inclinometers – replace draught transmitters for trim/heel-only measurements via a single cable

Marine Type Approved and Field Proven

All system components are Marine Type Approved and have been proven in a wide range of marine applications, including:

• Small Ro-Ro ferries
• Mega yachts
• Naval vessels
• A series of eight Capesize VLBC vessels for the Seaenergy fleet

If you would like more information on our Draught, Trim & Heel Display Systems and how they can work for your vessels, then contact us today or visit our website.

As we head into 2026, Scanjet PSM is gearing up for a busy and productive year ahead. We are preparing for a full schedule of leading maritime events and exhibitions, where our team will be showcasing innovations, building partnerships and connecting with industry leaders from around the world.

Whether you are a long-standing client, a prospective new contact, or just keen to see what is next in marine technology, we would love to see you at one or more of these events.

Asia Pacific Maritime, Singapore (March 25-27, 2026)

Kicking off the year, Scanjet PSM will be attending Asia Pacific Maritime (APM), one of the most influential maritime exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific region. APM offers a unique platform to meet global decision-makers and explore cutting-edge solutions across shipbuilding, offshore, defence, and beyond.

INTERTANKO Annual Tanker Event, Hong Kong (May 20–21, 2026)

Following Asia Pacific Maritime, Scanjet PSM will be participating in the INTERTANKO Annual Tanker Event. This established industry gathering brings together tanker owners, regulators, and industry specialists to discuss key issues affecting the independent tanker sector, including safety, sustainability and regulatory developments.

Posidonia 2026, Athens (June 1-5, 2026)

Next up is Posidonia 2026, the hallmark event of the European maritime calendar. This five-day exhibition draws professionals from every sector of the shipping industry, providing exceptional opportunities for networking and collaboration.

Seawork, Southampton (June 9-11, 2026)

Seawork is the UK’s leading exhibition for the commercial marine and workboat sectors. It provides a valuable forum for operators, manufacturers and service providers from across the industry.

SMM 2026, Hamburg (September 1-4, 2026)

One of the largest and most important maritime trade fairs globally, SMM Hamburg is a must-attend event for anyone in the shipping industry. From ship design to digitalisation and sustainability, SMM covers the full spectrum of maritime innovation.

Saudi Maritime Congress, Saudi Arabia (September 16-21, 2026)

The Saudi Maritime Congress reflects the growing importance of the Middle East in global shipping and offshore sectors. The event brings together policymakers, operators, investors and service providers for high-level discussions and collaboration.

Metstrade, Amsterdam (November 17-19, 2026)

Closing out the year, Scanjet PSM will be at Metstrade, one of the world’s largest marine equipment trade shows. This event is the go-to destination for professionals in the leisure marine industry, and a great venue to explore new technologies, trends and partnerships.

We are looking forward to an exciting year of engagement, innovation and partnership. If you are attending any of these events, we would love to meet you and discuss how Scanjet PSM can support your maritime needs in 2026 and beyond.

Stay tuned for updates on our social channels as the events approach.

2025 has been a landmark year for Scanjet PSM, marking 50 years of delivering trusted, cutting-edge marine instrumentation worldwide. From humble beginnings to becoming a recognised leader in digital tank-gauging solutions, our 50th anniversary reminds us how far we have come and excites us about the journey ahead.

50 Years Strong – The Big Milestone

This year, we proudly reflected on five decades of product innovation and marine instrumentation excellence.  From early 4 – 20mA hydrostatic transmitters to today’s fully digital solutions and complete systems, our evolution mirrors the changing demands of the marine industry.

We marked our 50 years with an anniversary celebration for our team with a day of recognition and thanks, and an opportunity to honour our many long-serving colleagues.

Major Project Wins and Flagship Deliveries

This year, we secured and delivered a number of significant marine instrumentation projects spanning superyachts, military vessels, cruise ships and new-build commercial vessels, reinforcing Scanjet PSM as a trusted supplier at the highest level.  Some of these notable deliveries include supplying advanced tank gauging systems to new-build vessels, for global customers including Macduff Shipyard, Navantia, Babcock, Turquoise Yachts, Alexandria Shipyard, Asenav Shipyard, and a state-of-the-art tank monitoring system for the Magellan Discoverer expedition Antarctica cruise ship.

These wins highlight our versatility, from tugs, large naval and commercial vessels to high-end yachts, and the trust clients place in our digital tank-gauging systems.

Strengthening and Expanding Key Partnerships

Partnerships remain at the heart of our success.  In 2025 we deepened long-standing collaborations and forged new relationships that extend our global reach.  We celebrated over two decades of collaboration with Aries, our trusted Spanish partner.  Their support remains pivotal for our success in Spain’s naval market.  We officially appointed PEP ARAB as our agent in Egypt.  Launching with the delivery and commissioning of instrumentation systems for multiple tug-boat new-builds at leading Egyptian shipyards, the partnership is already delivering real results.  Our growing partnership with DOP has seen our footprint expand in Turkey, securing new projects in 2025, a highlight being Geta Shipyard for three vessels for the Malaysia Navy.  Finally, our partnership with Terasaki Singapore, now spanning more than 10 years, continues to thrive.  Together, we supply comprehensive marine instrumentation solutions to clients in Asia across a wide variety of vessel types.

These collaborations underscore our commitment to global support and local service, enabling clients worldwide to benefit from Scanjet PSM’s technology with trusted local representation.

Looking Ahead – The Next 50 Years

As we reflect on 50 years in 2025, one truth stands above everything else: our people have always been the core of who we are.  Technologies evolve and industries shift, but the spirit, skill, and commitment of our employees have shaped every chapter of our story.  We thank them for making 2025 another successful year!

We are more energised than ever about what comes next, and we would like to thank all our customers, partners and agents for being part of this journey.  Here’s to the next 50 years of innovation, reliability and marine excellence.

Our Scanjet PSM offices will be closed from 24th December through to 2nd January.  We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all Seasons Greetings and our best wishes for 2026.  We look forward to working with you in the New Year and beyond.

I began my career as a design engineer, working with companies such as STC, where I designed industrial power supplies; Beecham Pharmaceuticals, developing specialised scientific research equipment; Amstrad, designing PCs and communications equipment; and Raytheon, where I worked on Air Traffic Control radar installations. Although I enjoyed the technical challenges, I often found myself missing the more hands-on, practical side of engineering.

In the early 1990s, I joined a small firm specialising in the design, build, installation and servicing of draught indicator systems for ferries. This was my first experience in the marine industry and involved extensive international travel. I had finally found a niche that combined all the aspects of engineering I enjoyed most. It was during this time, in the mid-1990s, that I first encountered PSM while using their sensors on a project.

In 2001, PSM approached me to run their service department…and the rest, as they say, is history. Nearly 25 years later, with around 1,000 service jobs completed and visits to more than 50 countries across six continents (still waiting for that one job in Antarctica to complete the set!), I continue to enjoy working alongside the dedicated team that PSM has built.

Outside of work, I have a wide range of interests, including air rifle field target shooting, where I have competed at both national and international level and won the British Championship in 2015. My biggest passions, though, are astrophysics, astronomy and astrophotography, and I’ve travelled extensively to photograph total solar eclipses – five so far, with another trip planned to Egypt in 2027.

At Scanjet PSM, growth isn’t just a goal, it is a mindset. As demand for our products, systems and services continues to rise and our market footprint expands, we are proud to highlight some of the key investments we are making in 2025 and beyond.

Strategic Investment for the Future

We are making strategic investments in cutting-edge plant equipment designed to supercharge our production capabilities and future-proof our operations.

Why Now? Meeting Growth Head-On

Over the past year, we have seen remarkable growth across key sectors. Customer demand is rising, new markets are emerging, and innovation continues to drive us forward. But with growth comes responsibility to deliver faster, smarter and more sustainably.

That is why we are investing in state-of-the-art machinery and automation systems that will:

• Boost production capacity by over 50% to meet rising demand
• Enhance product quality through precision engineering and real-time monitoring
• Reduce energy consumption and waste using eco-efficient technologies
• Streamline workflows for faster turnaround and improved scalability

What is New in the Plant

Our latest equipment lineup includes:

• Laser etching machine – accelerates process time and improves legibility for our customers
• Semi-automated packaging system – speeds up fulfilment and enhances transport protection
• Expanded automated calibration system – increases capacity and reduces lead times
• Energy-efficient HVAC upgrades – support our ongoing sustainability goals

These upgrades are not just about hardware, they are about empowering our team with the tools they need to innovate, collaborate and lead.

Investing in People

Technology is only as powerful as the people behind it. Alongside our equipment investment, we are launching new training programs to upskill our workforce and foster a culture of continuous improvement. From engineers to operators, every team member plays a vital role in shaping the next chapter of our success.

In 2025, we’ve also welcomed three new team members to support this exciting phase of growth.

Looking Ahead

This investment marks another pivotal moment in our 50-year evolution. It is a signal to our customers, partners and employees that we remain committed to excellence, agility and sustainable growth.

As we gear up for the future, we are excited to deliver even more value – faster, smarter and greener.

Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes updates, success stories, team features, application insights and a closer look at how our new plant equipment is transforming the way we work.

I joined PSM in 2024 as a Test Engineer, bringing with me many years of experience in electronics manufacturing. My role involves final configuration, testing and inspection, as well as working closely with the project team to carry out full system testing and Factory Acceptance Tests alongside our military customers.

I am also involved in product development and performance testing, including accelerated life cycle and process validation projects.

Before joining PSM, I completed my Master’s degree in Marketing with a specialisation in Advertising at the University of Katowice.

Outside of work, I have always had a strong passion for dance. From an early age, I attended various classes, from folk dancing (including the traditional Polonaise) to ballroom styles such as waltz and salsa. These days, I love keeping active with Zumba, aqua aerobics, and swimming.

Another lifelong passion of mine is sailing. I obtained my sea helmsman licence at just 15, sailing over 1,200 nautical miles across Polish lakes, the Baltic Sea, and European waters. Sailing taught me not only discipline and teamwork, but also the importance of making quick, accurate decisions, skills that I continue to apply in my work today.

For more than 30 years, PSM has been a trusted supplier of tank measurement and draught display systems for military ships of all classes. Naval applications often require higher levels of specification are met for performance, compared to other merchant vessels, with strict requirements for shock tolerance, increased MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures), maintainability by ships staff and interchangeability of parts. Meeting these challenges has driven decades of innovation at PSM, resulting in advanced, bespoke solutions that continue to serve naval fleets worldwide.

Early Developments in Transmitter Technology

One of PSM’s earliest naval projects was the UK Navy Type 42 Destroyers, which presented a unique challenge in that their fuel oil tanks were seawater displaced. In this system, all the fuel tanks were interconnected, and the last tank in the chain was continuously fed with seawater from a header tank that pressurised the entire network. As fuel was drawn off for use, seawater flowed in to replace it, ensuring the tanks always remained full of liquid.

This arrangement meant that a traditional hydrostatic level transmitter could not be used. Instead, PSM developed a special differential pressure (DP) transmitter. The transmitter was fully submersible and mounted at the base of the tank. One side of the DP cell was exposed to the tank contents, while the other was connected to a permanently filled ‘wet leg’ located inside the tank. This wet leg included a specially designed top reservoir that maintained a constant seawater head pressure.

Because fuel oil is less dense than seawater, it floated above it. As fuel was consumed and replaced by seawater, the pressure on the measurement side of the DP cell gradually decreased until the two sides balanced. Although the actual measurement range was small – around 30 mB, equivalent to the tank depth multiplied by the density difference between fuel oil and seawater (about 20%), the solution proved both precise and reliable.

Following successful trials on one ship, the system was rolled out across all 12 vessels in the Type 42 fleet.

The same principle was later adapted for a retrofit for the Collins Class submarines of the Royal Australian Navy. These transmitters were built with alternative materials specified by the client and tested to withstand shock loads up to 1500G for use in ballast tanks.

Over 20 years later, they are still in service, with ongoing replenishment orders to support the extended life of these submarines, clear proof of their long-term durability.

The next challenge was the Type 22 Frigates for the UK Navy, which also used seawater-displaced fuel tanks but required a different solution to reduce the need for personnel to enter tanks for safety and maintenance reasons.

PSM responded with a Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) radar system, featuring a dual-rod probe shaped to fit complex wing tanks and a submersible impedance block. With all active electronics mounted outside the tank, the system simplified routine maintenance and reduced the need for tank entry.

The follow-on UK Navy Type 23 Frigate returned to conventional hydrostatic fuel measurement. Although PSM was not part of the original installation, our APT1000 transmitters are now widely retrofitted across the fleet, replacing obsolete equipment.

To support this, PSM instruments are stocked at the Ministry of Defence’s central stores, ensuring availability for shipyards when needed.

Three Generations of Hydrostatic Transmitters

PSM’s hydrostatic transmitter technology has continually evolved:

• Series 260 – a proven 2-wire 4–20mA design, valued for simplicity and ruggedness, with more than 20 years of naval service and still being installed today.
• ICT1000 (2010) – the first dual mode transmitter, offering both 4–20mA and Modbus outputs, and enabling scaling adjustments without tank entry.
• APT1000 (current) – the modern standard, combining dual mode operation with advanced digital communication, making it the transmitter of choice for today’s naval platforms.

Digital Tank Gauging – Complete System Solutions

Beyond transmitters, over the past 30 years, PSM has also expanded into complete tank gauging solutions. Our VPM Series hardware and Connect firmware, working with the APT1000 transmitter, are now supplied as a complete Tank Gauging System, in a concept we call Digital Tank Gauging.

Key features include:

• Reduced cabling – Installation typically saves over 50% of signal cabling compared with conventional systems.
• Simplified installation and commissioning – Any transmitter on the network can be accessed and configured from any point, with no need for tank entry.
• Onboard maintainability – Designed so ship staff can fully support the system without external assistance.
• Customisable displays – Operators can tailor both the content and format of displayed information to suit their operational needs.
• In-house firmware – Connect firmware is entirely developed by PSM, with no reliance on external operating systems, optimised for efficient, reliable and cyber-secure operations.
• Flexible hardware options – VPM is available as:
  • A compact panel-mount unit with integrated acquisition, processing, and a 7” touchscreen, or A modular system with extended I/O and remote display options for larger platforms.

• Scalable displays – Systems typically include 2-4 display locations, but can scale up to 10 displays, each with individually tailored formats.
• Data sharing and integration – VPM units link via Ethernet networking, and data can be seamlessly integrated into a platform’s IPMS via RS485 Modbus, with registers configured in the required engineering units.

From bespoke transmitters on Type 42 Destroyers to today’s fully digital tank gauging systems, PSM has consistently delivered innovative, reliable solutions to meet the demanding needs of naval fleets worldwide.

With a legacy of proven performance, long-term support and customer service, and continuous development, PSM remains committed to helping navies operate with confidence around the world.

What better way to mark half a century of innovation, teamwork, and success than with a day full of laughter, puzzles, and sizzling BBQ?

The PSM Instrumentation team did just that, celebrating 50 incredible years at the ever-popular Tulleys Farm Escape Rooms, followed by a mouthwatering barbecue that brought everyone together in true Scanjet PSM style.

Cracking Codes & Building Camaraderie

The day kicked off with a high-energy plunge into the immersive world of escape rooms. Split into teams, colleagues became code-breakers, clue-hunters, and puzzle-masters, racing against the clock to unlock mysteries and escape.

From deciphering cryptic messages to navigating eerie corridors, the challenges sparked laughter, friendly competition, and some brilliant teamwork.

There were cheers, groans, and triumphant high-fives as each group emerged, some with seconds to spare, others with tales of near misses and hilarious missteps.

It was the perfect metaphor for the Scanjet PSM journey: problem-solving, collaboration, and just the right dash of creative chaos.

BBQ Bliss Under the Sussex Sun

After the mental workout, it was time to relax. The team gathered outdoors for a celebratory barbecue, where the scent of grilled burgers and chicken filled the air.

With cold drinks in hand and the sun smiling down, stories from the escape rooms flowed freely, along with memories from decades past.

Long-serving team members shared reflections on how far Scanjet PSM has come, while newer colleagues soaked up the legacy and camaraderie that define the company.

Cheers to 50 Years…and Beyond

As the sun dipped low, a toast was raised to five decades of excellence. From pioneering instrumentation solutions to building a tight-knit team, Scanjet PSM has come a long way, and the celebration at Tulleys Farm was a fitting tribute to that legacy.

Here’s to the next chapter, filled with fresh ideas, continued growth, and many more moments worth celebrating.

Mark Jones, our Sales Director for over 30 years at PSM Instrumentation Ltd, unfortunately could not make the event. But for those who know him, you will see from the photos that he made it in spirit (though, by all accounts, he wasn’t much help to either team in the escape rooms!).

Modern Engineered Products, Inc. (MEP), based in Louisiana, is one of PSM’s longest-standing and most trusted partners. Our relationship with MEP dates back to the early 1990s, and since then, PSM-manufactured transmitters have been successfully deployed across a wide variety of vessels.

Working alongside respected systems integrators such as Beier Integrated Systems and EMI Marine, our Series 260 4–20mA hydrostatic level transmitter has become a firm favourite, valued for its outstanding performance and long-term reliability. In fact, many units are still in active service today, more than 25 years after their original installation.

Together with MEP, we have supplied complete instrumentation systems for a range of vessel types, including:

• Military support vessels such as Cape Washington and Cape Wrath
• Offshore support vessels
• Inland barges
• Tugboats

Looking to the future, MEP is now leveraging PSM’s new generation of digital transmitters and display systems to expand into emerging markets, including the luxury yacht sector.

MEP is a well-established manufacturer in its own right, offering a full range of in-house developed and marine-certified level switches, pressure switches, and local tank indication solutions. In partnership, PSM and MEP provide a complete, integrated instrumentation solution for all vessel types.

Frank Breeden, MEP Owner and President said “We have been fortunate to be affiliated with PSM for over 33 years. Our own success in the marine industry is certainly enhanced by the quality and reliability of PSM products, used in hundreds, if not thousands, of projects across a wide range of vessels in the U.S. over this time.”

With over three decades of proven collaboration, PSM and MEP deliver industry-leading marine instrumentation solutions, built on trust, innovation, and performance, and we look forward to many more years working together.