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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.

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.

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.

At PSM Marine, we take great pride in our dedicated team of employees who have contributed their skills and expertise over many years. Our longest-serving employees are a testament to our commitment to career development, employee growth, and fostering a strong team environment. Between these individuals, there is more than 250 years of combined experience at PSM!

James Spenceley – Managing Director (Joined 1995)

With over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing and marine industry, James began his journey with PSM as a Production Technician in 1995. Over the years, he progressed through various roles, including Quality Manager, Production Manager, and Operations Director, before taking on the role of Managing Director in May 2022. During his time at PSM, James has also earned a Level 5 Diploma in Operations Management from CILT (UK) – IOM. Today James leads from the front, taking an active and hands-on role in all aspects of the company operation.

Mark Jones – Sales Director (Joined 1988)

Mark has been an integral part of PSM since 1988 when he joined as Sales Manager. Just four years later, in 1993, he took on the role of Sales Director and became a co-owner of the company until its sale to Scanjet in 2016. Mark has travelled the globe for PSM over the years covering sales development, agent and customer support, and project management. His leadership and applications expertise have been instrumental in driving the success and growth of PSM.

Sean Lane – Project Manager (Joined 1988)

Sean has taken on many roles since joining PSM in 1988. Starting as a Production Technician, he later moved into Customer Support, Purchasing, and Sales Engineering and is currently working as our Project Manager. Sean has also travelled overseas for PSM, providing customer support and installation, and commissioning of PSM’s tank gauging equipment.

Nigel Harding – Sales Manager (Joined 1992)

Nigel began his PSM career in 1992, initially as a sales and applications Engineer and developing into his current role of Sales Office Manager where he is responsible for our management systems and After Sales support. Over the years Nigel has accumulated extensive expertise in customer relations and developed long-standing relationships with our customers, making him a valuable asset to the company.

Dan Butson – Production Controller (Joined 1998)

Dan’s journey at PSM started in 1998 as a Welder. Since then, he has taken on multiple roles, including Stores Controller, Team Leader, and Auditor. Today, he serves as Production Controller, coordinating production and managing our team of Production Technicians and Apprentices. You will always find Dan in the thick of the action.

Daran Loader – Purchasing Engineer & STEM Ambassador (Joined 1993)

Daran joined PSM in 1993 as a Production Technician and has worked in nearly every manufacturing-related department, from machining and assembly to calibration and QA testing. In his current role as Purchasing Manager Daran maintains relationships with our network of suppliers which are vital to our ability to manufacture quality instrumentation and acts as PSM’s STEM Ambassador, helping to inspire the next generation of engineers.

James McCrory – Production Team Member (Joined 2009)

James joined PSM on production in 2009 and has since gained three NVQs in engineering. In addition to his technical skills, he became a qualified internal auditor, demonstrating his dedication to quality and continuous improvement, which has led to his promotion to the role of Quality Manager.

Peter Bygrave – Service Engineering Manager (joined 2001)

Peter joined PSM in 2001 as a Service Technician responsible for on-site service and commissioning of PSM manufactured systems. He was shortly thereafter promoted to Service Engineering Manager. Peter has trained a number of other Field Technicians over the years where his extensive knowledge of shipboard systems and unrivalled experience of more than 30 years working on instrumentation both of PSM’s manufacture and others has been invaluable to both PSM and our customers alike. By their very nature, service work onboard ships has taken Peter to just about every country in the world that has a marine industry during his time with us.

A Culture of Growth and Development

At PSM we are passionate about developing our employees, offering apprenticeship schemes, and supporting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education in local schools. Our commitment to nurturing talent ensures that future generations have the opportunity to build fulfilling careers in the industry.

We are immensely grateful for the dedication and hard work of our longest-serving employees, whose experience and expertise continue to shape the success of PSM Marine. Here’s to many more years of excellence!

PSM Marine is proud to have supplied a state-of-the-art digital tank monitoring system to the Magellan Discoverer, a cutting-edge Antarctica cruise ship built at the Asenav shipyard in Valdivia, Chile. This innovative vessel is designed for polar expeditions, and our advanced tank monitoring solution ensures optimal safety, efficiency, and reliability for its operations in some of the world’s most challenging environments. We supplied a fully digital monitoring system based on our industry-leading

APT1000 transmitters for all twenty-nine shipboard tanks, including those for ballast, diesel oil, lubricating oil, urea, fresh water, black water, oily water and sludge. The system also includes an integrated 4-point draught indication system, and PSM Series 600 Hydrostatic Contents Gauges for local fuel oil and lubricating oil level indications.

All APT1000 transmitters are interconnected through our RFM4 termination modules, which then connect to a central VPM data acquisition module in the Engine Control Room (ECR) via a single 4-core multidrop cable. This significantly reduces cabling requirements, lowering both installation and maintenance costs.
The VPM Data Acquisition Module features an integral 7” touchscreen display, providing a real-time overview of tank levels and draught parameters, including vessel trim and heel. For enhanced operations, the VPM module connects via direct Ethernet link to a 24” display on the vessel bridge, where screen layouts have been designed to meet the client’s specific needs. Furthermore, the VPM provides a Modbus output to seamlessly integrate all tank and draught data into the vessel’s Automated Management System (AMS).

Following installation by the shipyard, a PSM Service Engineer will oversee the commissioning process, ensuring seamless functionality and system calibration to meet the Magellan Discoverer’s specific operational needs.

We believe our successful collaboration with the Magellan Discoverer is another testament to our expertise in providing robust and reliable marine monitoring systems for vessels of all types.