Electronic Chart Display Information Systems Suppliers

Every commercial vessel under IMO carriage rules now runs ECDIS as its main navigation tool. The unit pulls together heading, position, depth, and traffic data on a single chart that the watch officer reads around the clock. Picking the right model for a newbuild or retrofit sets how the bridge will work for the next decade, since hardware specs, chart compatibility, software approvals, and integration with radar and conning displays all play into the choice.

To make that choice simpler, RecordsMarine has assembled a directory where yards, owners, and project teams can review electronic chart display information system (ECDIS) suppliers side by side without chasing brochures from every brand.

What a Complete ECDIS Package Includes

An ECDIS scope of supply covers more than just the bridge screen. A standard package usually includes:

• A marine-grade display, typically 23 to 27 inches
• A processor unit with a type-approved operating system
• Trackball, keyboard, and a dedicated control panel
• Network cards and serial converters
• A UPS with battery backup
• A chart catalog license and update service
• Antenna and sensor interface boxes
• Installation drawings and the class approval folder
• Type-specific training for the officers

Quotes vary a lot between brands, so a clear list at the start matters. A reliable supplier of ECDIS will set out each line item in writing before any order is placed. That step alone shuts down the missing-cable or no-training surprises that come with the cheapest offers.

Where ECDIS Goes Onboard

How many units a ship needs depends on size and flag rules:

• Single ECDIS — coastal vessels under 3000 GT
• Dual ECDIS (primary plus backup) — most SOLAS vessels above 3000 GT
• Triple ECDIS — large tankers, cruise ships, and DP-class offshore vessels
• ECDIS paired with paper chart fallback — still acceptable on some older ships
• Conning displays linked to ECDIS — common on modern bridges

The backup unit cannot share anything with the main one — separate power supply, separate sensor feeds, and separate alarm channels are mandatory. Approved providers of ECDIS keep this redundancy in line with IMO and class society rules from the start.

Recommended Brands

The market is led by a small group of bridge electronics makers:

• Furuno (FMD-3200, FMD-3300 series)
• JRC (JAN-9201, JAN-7201 series)
• Wärtsilä Transas (Navi-Sailor 4000)
• Sperry Marine (VisionMaster FT)
• Kongsberg Maritime (K-Bridge)
• Raytheon Anschütz (Synapsis NX)
• Tokyo Keiki
• Danelec DM800
• Hatteland Display (for hardware platforms)

All hold IMO and IEC type approval, but the layout, alarm logic, and chart look different between brands. A demo before commitment helps the bridge team pick a setup that fits their routine.

What to Check at Quote Stage

A short list to review before signing a purchase order:

• IMO MSC.232 (or later) performance standard
• Chart format support — S-57, S-63, and the upcoming S-101
• Integration with radar, gyro, AIS, and conning systems
• Lead time that fits the yard or retrofit milestones
• Training delivery and certificates
• After-sales support in your trading area
• Cyber security features under IACS UR E22
• Warranty length and software update terms

A signed scope of supply, with cables and antennas included, keeps the budget on track.

Industry Standards

ECDIS equipment must meet SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19, IMO Resolution MSC.232(82), IEC 61174 for performance, IEC 62288 for displays, IHO S-57 and S-63 chart formats, and IACS UR E22 for cyber resilience. STCW and IMO Model Course 1.27 covers the training side. Each unit ships with type approval, factory test reports, and software version logs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ECDIS fully replace paper charts?

Yes, on SOLAS vessels with two independent ECDIS units. A single ECDIS still needs a paper chart backup.

What is the lead time for a full ECDIS supply?

Standard packages ship in 4 to 8 weeks. Custom bridge layouts run 12 to 16 weeks.

Is training included with delivery?

Generic training is often part of the package. Type-specific training to STCW level is usually a separate line.

Do older ECDIS models still meet current standards?

Many do once their software is brought up to date. Hardware older than 15 years usually has to be retired outright, because the processor and display can no longer host the latest approved version.

Who handles commissioning?

Some OEMs send factory engineers. Others ship to the yard and use authorized local subcontractors.

Find ECDIS Supplier Near You

Below is a vetted list of ECDIS makers and authorized agents that work with shipyards, retrofit teams, and fleet operators worldwide. Compare the entries, ask for quotes directly, and shortlist a supplier that matches your project scope and timeline.