ABOUT SEA3 SYSTEMS

Sea3 Background

Sea3 Systems was founded in 1988 under the name Marisys. We found our first customer at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) in 1989 offering initial products in electronic navigation and vessel monitoring systems.

A series of research and development grants awards by the Coast Guard, US NAVY, DOT, MARAD, NOAA and University of North Carolina enabled us to develop state-of-the-art technologies in navigation and control systems.

In the new millennium, we began developing and manufacturing sophisticated electronic navigation and control systems, underwater instrumentation platforms and submarine life support systems for the US NAVY and commercial ocean exploration companies.

We subsequently changed our name to Sea3 Undersea Systems in 2009 and then to Sea3 Systems in 2017. Since 2015, our business model shifted from military and undersea systems to the commercial marine and yachting industries.

Sea3 has provided engineering design services to the cruise industry for projects reducing air pollution caused by burning high sulfur fuels and to modifying interior structures. We have also completed many yacht and commercial vessel projects for driveline designs, hydraulic systems, electrical power distribution, vibration mitigation and structural modifications.

In 2018, the University of Miami commissioned Sea3 to develop a comprehensive refit plan for their research catamaran. Incorporating hybrid propulsion, a high voltage DC electrical distribution system, energy recovery oceanographic winches and hull hydrodynamic improvements, this design project induced Sea3’s focus on hybrid and all-electric vessel design.

In 2019, Sea3 began the design of an extensive refit of a 100 foot yacht to include hybrid electric propulsion along with a comprehensive integrated energy management and vessel control system. Sea trials began in 2022.

Sea3 Philosophy

Multidisciplinary and holistic best describe the underlying principles motivating Sea3 designs. The marriage of electric propulsion, sophisticated control systems and hulls with advanced hydrodynamics are imperative for the resulting vessel to operate effectively and efficiently.

Sea3 is pioneering the use of cutting edge, distributed real-time control systems (DRTCS) to provide vessel-wide integration ofshipc systems required to operate and maintain high-performance, high-efficiency craft. This means the entire vessel operates as coordinated whole, from the energy supply (arteries, diesel, solar, wind, hydrogen, etc.), to the propulsion, maneuvering attitude control systems (electric, direct drive, thrusters, stabilizers, sails) to the environmental systems and the navigation systems.

The concept of a distributed control system is actually much like the nervous system of an octopus. An octopus’ brain is actually several mini-rains, one for each tentacle, with a bifurcated visual brain. Similarly, our software design architecture is driven the principle of spatial diversity helping reliability, speed, maintainability and more.

The key to good design is having the right tools. Modern, sophisticated and complex integrated systems require appropriate testing to adapt designs quickly. This is accomplished through advanced software and high performance computers allowing numerical modeling and simulation of new designs.

Transformative Designs

Sea3 provides innovative naval architecture, ocean engineering and integration services. We create new designs and refits that may span multiple technical disciplines and require detailed design, project management and logistical support.

Sea3 is licensed to practice engineering. Our naval architects and engineers are highly trained technologists with deep technical knowledge and practical experience in marine systems. Our expertise includes vessel design, electric and conventional propulsion systems, controls and automation, hydrodynamics and mechanical system design.

We employ sophisticated computer simulations early-on in the design process to ensure our designs work. Over 30 years, vessels and their systems have greatly increased in complexity. Our technical skills and road experience with shipyard operations and support trades effectively execute sophisticated projects.

We create transformative designs for the 21st century through advanced technology and multidisciplinary engineering. Our whole-ship approach to the science of marine design effectuates our new build and refit projects, yacht and offshore systems, regardless of project scope.

Focusing on vessels from 30 - 150 meters, including workboats, ferries, small to medium size cargo ships and yachts, we create highly integrated solutions which reduce operational and maintenance costs. Sea3 produces customized, efficient and innovative solutions for each project using advanced CAD tools, computer-based modeling and numerical simulation to test and refine designs before going to sea, thereby reducing project development time and cost while providing a solid technical base for ongoing maintenance.

Propulsion Pioneers

The benefits of electric propulsion are so impactful that a drastic shift in the way we build and refit vessels is taking place around the world. Sea3 is here to prepare you for this shift and to help lead the way.

Electric or conventional? All electric or hybrid? When it comes to propulsion, electric machines offer clear advantages that every vessel owner and crew should consider.

  • reduced noise

  • improved fuel efficiency

  • reduced pollution

  • lower maintenance costs

  • increased maneuverability

Sea3 tailors electric propulsion systems to fit the exact cost and performance requirements of a particular project by selecting the electric motors, batteries, power electronics, transmissions and other components best suited for the task.

A ship is a system of systems: propulsion; navigation; electrical power; water; waste; air conditioning; communications…the list goes on. Continuously advancing technology often means more and more different types of systems incorporated into vessels of all sizes, whether added through refits or incorporated into new builds. Each new system must find a space among existing ones, often interoperating with them. This increases complexity and costs while lowering reliability.

Our holistic, multidisciplinary approach reduces design time, improves performance, reduces build cost and improves maintainability of the entire vessel. Sea3 designs software-based systems which tie all the different pieces together, ensuring they work together effectively. Our integrated approach simplifies vessel operation by centralizing control and maintenance of the various systems.