NMEA2000 is a plug-and-play communications standard from the National Marine Electronics Association used for connecting electronic equipment within ships and boats. The protocol is used to create a network of electronic devices made by different manufacturers (that meet the NMEA 2000 standard) connected to one central cable, known as a backbone. The backbone powers each instrument and relays data among all of the instruments on the network. This allows, for example, one display unit to show many different types of information and for the instruments to work together, since they share data. This progressive and integrated approach to system design aligns perfectly with our vision, so naturally we wanted to be a part of it!
Photos courtesy of Scorpion Ribs
The standardised inter-connectivity of systems and components is particularly important when it comes to building more sustainable ships and boats. Hybrid electric propulsion systems, energy management and pilot feedback are very important technologies to making ships more fuel efficient and clean. All of these require systems and devices to communicate and interact with each other. NMEA2000 can play an important role in making the sustainability revolution more plug-and-play and hence more accessible and affordable for all shipbuilders. REAP wants to be not only part of this but also drive this. See article in Maritime Journal in 2016. REAP will participate in standardisation meetings and will help creating a standard that will facilitate hybrid propulsion systems and efficient energy management on board.
We run a tight ship!
REAPsystems is dedicated to professional development. REAPsystems battery systems, energy management and hybrid drivetrain solutions will comply with the high standard of assessment and testing required for NMEA200 certification. This is testament to our constant drive for innovation and excellence. We care about customer confidence and satisfaction, so we are delighted to be able to design products and write software in line with the communication protocol. This will make it easy for anyone to use our products on their marine applications.