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.
HMAS Adelaide
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.
HMS Spey
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.
We are pleased to announce the formal appointment of PEP ARAB as PSM Marine’s official agent in Egypt. PEP ARAB, a leading designer and manufacturer of automation and control systems across a diverse range of industries, bring valuable expertise and a strong presence in the Marine and Shipbuilding sector, making them an ideal partner for PSM.
Following the partnership agreement and a joint tour of key shipyards in December 2024, we have successfully delivered instrumentation solutions for several newbuild tugboat projects with Egypt’s two leading shipbuilders, Alexandria Shipyard and the Egyptian Shipbuilding and Repair Yard. With more vessels currently under construction for which PSM will be supplying the instrumentation, and additional orders expected, our collaboration is off to a strong start.
Each project has featured a tailored supply package to meet specific yard and end-user requirements. This includes:
Level transmitters for all service and ballast tanks
High and low alarm level switches
Bilge switches for flood detection
Local indication via sight glasses or self-powered gauges
In addition, PEP ARAB played a key role in commissioning previously supplied systems using our digital VPM display and APT1000 intelligent transmitters. Our latest projects are also built around our digital solution, with transmitters directly integrated via Modbus to PEP ARAB’s own Platform Management System.
We have been extremely pleased with the professionalism, technical capability, and enthusiasm of the PEP ARAB team, and we look forward to continued success together.
We are excited to announce that PSM Marine will be attending Nor-Shipping 2025, taking place from 2nd-6th June in Oslo. You will find us in Hall B at stand B02-44, where we will be exhibiting on the Scanjet stand.
Our Managing Director, James Spenceley, will be on hand to personally demonstrate our complete Digital Tank Gauging package, highlighting the seamless integration of our APT1000 level transmitters, RFM4 and RFM-ISR network termination and Safety Barrier Modules and our VPM series of programmable display units.
Whether you are looking to upgrade your existing tank monitoring systems or want to explore the latest in marine instrumentation technology, we invite you to stop by and discover what PSM Marine can offer.
We look forward to connecting with you at Nor-Shipping 2025!
We are delighted to announce delivery of a further complete Tank Gauging System for Turquoise Yachts. Building on our long-standing partnership with Turquoise, we are proud to confirm the supply for their latest superyacht build. This marks another significant milestone in our collaboration, following a series of orders that reinforce our position as a trusted supplier in the luxury yacht market.
The Tank Gauging System supplied includes advanced level measurement and monitoring capabilities for all tank types (fuel, water, wastewater and ballast) using our proven APT1000 hydrostatic transmitters and VPM Displays. Designed for maximum reliability and seamless integration with onboard systems, the technology supports Turquoise’s commitment to delivering yachts of exceptional performance and operational efficiency.
This latest delivery continues the momentum built over several successful projects. The system has been engineered and configured to meet Turquoise Yachts’ exacting standards, with full support from our engineering and service teams throughout the build cycle, and commissioning assistance from our local in-territory partners DOP.
Maintaining our collaboration, a further complete Tank Gauging System is currently in production and scheduled for delivery in the next quarter.
At PSM Marine, we take great pride in supporting the world’s leading yacht builders and we look forward to continuing our work with Turquoise Yachts on future projects.
At PSM Marine, building strong and lasting partnerships is crucial to our business. One of the most successful of these has been with ARIES Industrial y Naval Servicios, our appointed sales partner in Spain for more than 20 years.
Founded in 1965, Aries has a distinguished history in the naval and industrial sectors. With a highly experienced team operating across equipment and systems sales, engineering, and turnkey supplies and technical services, Aries has built a reputation for excellence, innovation and reliability.
Over the past two decades, Aries has provided exceptional support, promoting our products, securing new enquiries, and acting as a vital intermediary on many complex contracts, including those awarded by Navantia, the Spanish state-owned shipbuilder. Their deep understanding of the local market and close relationships with customers have been instrumental in helping PSM deliver high-performance solutions tailored to client needs.
Aries recently shared these words with us as we celebrated our 50th anniversary:
“Reaching this milestone is a testament to your dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence in the naval equipment industry. For over 20 years, we have had the privilege of working with you in Spain, and it has been a truly rewarding experience. Your sales and technical teams are outstanding, always responsive, flexible, and ready to adapt to the diverse needs of our clients.”
At PSM, we also hear first-hand from end clients about the high regard in which Aries is held. Their professionalism, responsiveness, and commitment to service are recognised throughout the Spanish naval and industrial sectors.
As we look ahead, we are proud to continue this partnership with Aries, built on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to excellence. Here’s to many more years of collaboration and success.
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
