NMEA Integration

Turn vessel data into a usable onboard experience

Modern yachts generate a huge amount of valuable data, including navigation, heading, depth, speed, wind, alarms, tank levels, generator status, and more. The challenge is making that data reliable, usable, and safely integrated across the vessel without creating instability, conflicts, or troubleshooting nightmares.

Our NMEA Integration service connects vessel data to the right onboard systems and interfaces, so crew can access relevant information where it’s needed with clean architecture, correct interfacing, and commissioning that’s built for marine reliability.

What NMEA integration includes

NMEA integration is about data distribution and system interfacing. Depending on vessel requirements, this can include:

Data acquisition and interfacing

  • Interfacing with NMEA networks and gateways

  • Identifying what data is available and what is required

  • Correct data translation and mapping where needed

Data distribution architecture

  • Planning stable data routes to displays and control systems

  • Avoiding conflicts, loops, and noisy data paths

  • Segmentation and protection of critical networks where required

Visualisation and system use

  • Presenting vessel data on bridge displays, touch panels, or approved interfaces

  • Aligning what is shown with crew workflows and operational use

  • Ensuring consistent naming and clear presentation

Integration with onboard systems

  • Linking vessel states to automation behaviour where appropriate

    Examples could include night operation modes, safe lighting behaviours, or status-based alerts

  • Ensuring integrations are controlled, documented, and maintainable

Commissioning and validation

  • Testing data accuracy, refresh behaviour, and fail states

  • Confirming recovery behaviour for power events and device restarts

  • Documentation that supports future service and refit work

Designed for marine reliability and safety

Vessel data networks are operationally important. We design NMEA integration with a focus on:

  • Stable architecture that reduces single points of failure

  • Controlled access and protection for critical systems

  • Clear separation between guest, entertainment, and operational networks

  • Predictable behaviour under fault conditions

  • Documentation that allows fast troubleshooting worldwide

Why proper NMEA integration matters

Better situational awareness

The right data in the right place improves decision-making and efficiency.

Cleaner systems, fewer issues

A well-designed architecture reduces intermittent faults and conflicts that can plague poorly integrated vessels.

Easier support and servicing

Documented integration makes troubleshooting faster during charter and global operations.

Scalable for future upgrades

A clear data strategy allows new systems to be added without rebuilding the vessel’s integration approach.

What we deliver

Depending on scope, our NMEA integration service can include:

  • NMEA integration design and interfacing strategy

  • Gateway selection and configuration planning where required

  • Data routing and distribution architecture

  • Interface and visualisation planning aligned to crew workflows

  • Commissioning, testing, and validation

  • Documentation and as built records

  • Support readiness planning aligned to vessel policy

Our process

  1. Discovery and data review

    We confirm what data sources exist, what’s required, and where it needs to be displayed or used.

  2. Architecture design

    Interfacing approach, routing strategy, protection, and system boundaries.

  3. Integration and configuration

    Gateway setup, data mapping, and controlled distribution to target systems.

  4. Commissioning and validation

    Accuracy checks, refresh behaviour testing, and fault recovery validation.

  5. Handover and documentation

    Clear records and operational notes to support the vessel long term.

FAQ

  • What is NMEA and why is it used on yachts?

    NMEA is a marine data communication standard used to share navigation and vessel information between systems, such as GPS, heading, depth, wind instruments, and other onboard equipment.

  • Can you show NMEA data on control system touch panels or displays?

    Yes, where appropriate and approved by vessel stakeholders. We can integrate and present relevant vessel data in a clear, usable format aligned with crew workflows.

  • How do you avoid conflicts or instability when connecting multiple systems to NMEA data?

    We design the data architecture carefully, use correct gateways and routing methods, and validate performance during commissioning to avoid loops, data collisions, or unreliable refresh behaviour.

  • Is NMEA integration the same as glass bridge navigation?

    They are related but different. Glass Bridge focuses on the bridge display environment and video/signal integration. NMEA integration focuses on vessel data acquisition, distribution, and interfacing between systems.

  • Can you integrate NMEA data into automation behaviours?

    In some cases, yes. Where it makes operational sense and is approved, vessel states can be used as triggers for defined behaviours. We keep these integrations controlled, documented, and serviceable.

  • Do you work with existing gateways and legacy systems?

    Yes. We can assess existing infrastructure, improve reliability, and modernise the integration approach during refits while keeping disruption controlled.

  • What do you need to start an NMEA integration project?

    A list of required data points, current system details, drawings where available, and clarity on where the data needs to be displayed or used. An onboard assessment is often the fastest path to a correct integration plan.