On a vessel, the network matters
Marine operations depend on data reaching the systems that need it, in a format they can use. Wind measurements may support dynamic positioning, navigation, helideck operations or weather reporting. Weather stations provide environmental data for operational decisions, while tank-level sensors help monitor fuel, water and oil.
How do you integrate wind and weather sensors with a vessel’s systems?
Integration on a vessel starts with the receiving system, not the sensor. The output must match what the navigation, automation, alarm or dynamic positioning system accepts, such as NMEA 0183, RS422 or RS485, Modbus RTU or analogue. The mounting position must give representative data, and the chosen model must hold any type approval the vessel requires.
Gill provides marine wind sensors, compact weather stations, capacitive level sensors and displays, with output options that vary by model. Selecting suitable equipment means considering the vessel’s existing systems, communications interfaces, installation environment and any required type approvals together.
For new builds, these requirements need to be established before the sensor is specified. For refits, compatibility with the installed equipment is often the starting point.
Why marine sensor integration needs careful specification
A vessel brings several engineering constraints together. Sensors must operate in salt-laden air, vibration and motion, while providing data to navigation, automation, alarm or dynamic positioning systems. The installation may also be governed by classification requirements.
These considerations affect both the sensor and its configuration. A suitable measurement range is only one part of the decision. The output must match the receiving system, the mounting position must provide representative data, and the selected model must meet any applicable approval requirements.
Approval depends on the specific model
Where a project requires Lloyd’s Register type-approved equipment, the approval must apply to the model being specified. WindObserver 65, 70, 75, 90 and II are Lloyd’s Register type approved; WindObserver IS is not. WindObserver II also holds an ABS Product Design Assessment.
Do not assume that approval for one model extends to another product in the same family. Confirm the current certificate, model designation and approval scope against the project specification before ordering.
Lloyd’s Register type approved
Vessel motion changes the wind measurement
A wind sensor mounted on a moving vessel measures apparent wind: the airflow experienced by the vessel as a result of the true wind and the vessel’s own motion. Calculating true wind requires vessel motion and heading information, or a suitable sensor configuration that provides the necessary reference data.
The distinction matters because different operations use different wind references. Apparent wind is relevant to the airflow experienced on deck and around the vessel. True wind is used for applications such as weather reporting and routing, and may be required by particular operational systems.
Marine MaxiMet models GMX260 and GMX560 include a six-axis compass. The appropriate configuration and the way heading and motion data are used depend on the application and receiving system.
MaxiMet GMX260 and GMX560: six-axis compass
Salt, vibration and exposure affect installation
Marine equipment must be selected for the conditions at its intended mounting position. Material choice, environmental sealing, temperature limits, heating requirements and mounting arrangements all matter.
For example, the WindObserver range uses 316 stainless steel construction and has an IP66 rating. These specifications help define its suitability, but they do not remove the need to assess the complete installation, including exposure, cable entries, mounting hardware and maintenance access.
WindObserver: stainless steel 316, IP66
Tank-level measurement is part of the wider system
Fuel, water and oil levels are operational measurements, not simply local indications. Integrating level data into a vessel’s monitoring or control system can make it available where it is needed.
Gill capacitive level sensors have no float mechanism to foul or stick. Available outputs vary by model and can include voltage, current, RS232 or CAN. The appropriate sensor depends on the tank, fluid, installation requirements and receiving equipment.
Capacitive level sensors
Matching outputs to vessel systems
The receiving system should guide the interface selection. NMEA 0183 is used in marine electronics, serial interfaces support a range of dedicated equipment, and Modbus RTU can suit compatible automation and monitoring systems. Analogue outputs remain relevant where existing controllers accept voltage or current signals.
The table below is a starting point rather than a guarantee of compatibility. Confirm the exact interface, protocol and output option against the current datasheet for the selected model.
| Interface | NMEA 0183 | RS422 or RS485 serial | Modbus RTU | Analogue voltage or current |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical receiving system | Navigation displays and bridge systems | Dedicated displays, automation and longer cable runs | Compatible automation, monitoring and alarm systems | Legacy displays and controllers |
| Main consideration | Confirm supported sentences and required update rate | Check electrical interface, data format and communications settings | Confirm register map and protocol support | Match signal range and electrical loading |
| Gill examples | WindSonic, MetConnect | WindObserver range, WindUltra | WindObserver 65 and 75 in the newer datasheets, WindUltra, MetConnect | WindSonic analogue option, LevelPro |
On a new vessel, agree the interface with the systems integrator before specifying the sensor. On an existing vessel, establish which protocols and inputs are already supported. A converter may be useful where interfaces cannot be matched directly, but it introduces another component to power, configure and maintain.
The trade-offs to consider
Approval can narrow the choice
A project requiring type-approved equipment may restrict the available models. A lighter or lower-cost sensor is not necessarily an acceptable alternative if it does not meet the specification. Establish approval requirements before comparing products on price or features.
Apparent wind is not true wind
The sensor’s reading and the wind reference required by the application are not always the same. Establish whether the system needs apparent wind, true wind or both, and identify the source of the heading and vessel-motion data needed for any calculation.
Robustness has practical consequences
The WindObserver range is designed for demanding installations, with stainless steel construction and heating on applicable models. This can be appropriate where environmental exposure and project requirements justify it. For a less demanding monitoring application, another sensor may be sufficient. Selection should follow the operating environment and specification rather than assuming the heaviest-duty option is always best.
Mounting affects measurement quality
Masts, funnels and superstructure can disturb airflow. A sensor may meet its published performance specifications yet provide unrepresentative readings if it is installed in a poor location.
Consider the intended use of the data, the vessel’s geometry, nearby obstructions and the mounting arrangement. Where wind measurements support safety-critical or operational decisions, installation guidance and the requirements of the relevant system should inform the final position.
Gill marine sensing products
Gill’s marine-related range covers wind measurement, weather stations, fluid level sensing and displays. The appropriate combination depends on the measurements required and the vessel’s existing architecture.
WindObserver
Heavy-duty wind measurement
WindObserver is a heavy-duty ultrasonic wind sensor range for demanding marine and industrial applications. The range uses 316 stainless steel construction, with IP66 protection and heated options on applicable models.
MaxiMet Marine
Compact weather measurement
MaxiMet Marine provides compact environmental measurement for moving platforms. GMX260 measures wind, while GMX560 measures wind, temperature, humidity and pressure. Both have a six-axis compass.
The required wind reference, available outputs and use of compass data should be established alongside the receiving system’s requirements.
Capacitive level sensors
Fuel, water and oil
Gill capacitive level sensors measure fluid level without a float mechanism. The range includes LevelDefend for military marine craft, alongside other level-sensing options for different applications.
Wind displays
Putting data where it is needed
Gill offers dedicated wind displays, including a marine display and multifunctional TFT options. A display can make measurements available to the operator at the point of use, but its compatibility with the selected sensor and the vessel’s wider systems should be confirmed.
insight
Apparent wind and true wind
A sensor mounted on a moving vessel measures the air moving past it. This is apparent wind, which reflects both the true wind and the vessel’s motion. It is the airflow experienced by the vessel, but it is not necessarily the wind reference required by every application.
True wind is derived by accounting for the vessel’s motion and heading. This requires suitable speed and heading data, with the calculation performed by the sensor or the receiving system according to the system design.
The distinction is important when specifying a measurement system. Apparent wind may be relevant to deck operations and helicopter operations, while true wind may be required for weather reporting, routing or other calculations. The precise requirement depends on the operation and the applicable procedures.
Marine MaxiMet GMX260 and GMX560 include a six-axis compass, providing heading-referenced data for supported applications. Where the vessel already supplies reliable heading and speed information, the calculation may instead be handled by the vessel’s own systems.
The key specification question is not simply which sensor measures wind. It is which wind reference the application needs, what supporting data is available and where the calculation will take place.
The full explanation is in What is the difference between true wind and apparent wind?
Related applications and resources
Application noteAN0063: Marine DPS with WindObserver
Application note on wind input for dynamic positioning.
Application noteAN0007: CAP 437 North Sea data
Application note covering meteorological data for offshore helidecks.
ApplicationShip navigation
Wind and weather measurement for bridge applications.
IndustryMarine and offshore
Explore sensing requirements across marine and offshore applications.
SolutionWind measurement on moving platforms
Speak to our team
Tell us what you need to measure, where and under what conditions. We’ll help you work out the appropriate approach.
Marine integration questions
NMEA 0183 is a communications standard used by marine electronic equipment to exchange data. When selecting a sensor for a navigation or bridge system, check that the sensor supports the required NMEA output and that the receiving equipment accepts the relevant data sentences.
WindObserver 65, WindObserver 70, WindObserver 75, WindObserver 90 and WindObserver II are Lloyd’s Register type approved. WindObserver IS is not Lloyd’s Register approved. Confirm the current certificate and exact model against the project requirements before specifying equipment.
Apparent wind is the airflow experienced by a moving vessel, combining the effect of true wind and the vessel’s own motion. True wind is calculated by accounting for the vessel’s motion and heading. The required reference depends on the application and the receiving system.
The MaxiMet Marine range includes GMX260 for wind measurement and GMX560 for wind, temperature, humidity and pressure. Both have a six-axis compass. Confirm model-specific environmental ratings, output options and system compatibility for the intended installation.
A Gill wind sensor can provide wind data for a compatible dynamic positioning system when the selected model, output and installation meet the system specification. Gill application note AN0063 covers marine dynamic positioning with WindObserver. Confirm the required interface, data format, approval and integration requirements with the vessel’s system integrator.
Gill’s capacitive level sensors are used for fluid-level measurement and do not rely on a moving float. The range includes options for fuel, water and oil, with outputs that vary by model. Suitability depends on the tank, fluid, installation and receiving system.
Confirm the measurement required, the receiving system and its supported interfaces, any class or type-approval requirements, the installation environment, mounting location, power and cable constraints, and how the data will be used. For wind measurement on a moving vessel, establish whether the application requires apparent wind, true wind or both.
No. Approval applies to the specific model and scope identified in the relevant certificate. Check the exact model designation and current documentation rather than assuming approval transfers across a product family.