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Control Systems Uplift Repair & Maintenance Custom Control Systems Advisory

Custom Control Systems — Solafide Industrial Automation and Control Systems

Custom Control Systems

Bespoke PLC/HMI Systems
Engineered to Your Vessel's
Exact Requirements

Not every vessel fits a standard solution. Some projects require a control system built from the ground up — designed around your specific vessel configuration, operational requirements, and the conditions the system will need to perform in reliably for years to come.

Right Fit

Who This Service Is For

Custom control system work is the right approach in situations where off-the-shelf systems don't apply. Here are the common scenarios we're called in for.

Beyond Economical Repair

An existing system has failed beyond repair and a full replacement is the only viable path. We design and build the replacement around the vessel as it actually is.

Unique Operational Profile

Your vessel has a configuration or operational requirement that off-the-shelf marine systems don't accommodate well. Custom is the only real answer.

Subsystem Upgrades

You're upgrading a specific subsystem — propulsion, ballast, cargo — and need it designed to integrate cleanly with what's already on board.

Small Vessel & Barge Work

You need a small-vessel or barge automation solution that standard marine system suppliers don't serve well — or price reasonably for a vessel that size.

Not Sure?

Tell Us Your Situation

If you're not certain whether a custom build is the right approach, get in touch. We'll give you an honest view — including if another service is a better fit.

Capabilities

Systems We Design & Build

Propulsion & Main Engine Control

Control and monitoring systems for main propulsion and engine room, built to your vessel's exact layout and class requirements.

Cargo Monitoring & Control

Custom cargo control systems for tankers and bulk carriers, including integrated panel design and HMI configuration.

Ballast Water Management

Ballast control systems engineered to your vessel's tank configuration and ballast water management plan.

Pump Automation & Protection

PLC-based pump control and protection systems with interlocking logic, alarm management, and operator interface.

Power Management & Load Monitoring

Power management systems with load-sharing logic, generator control, and real-time monitoring of electrical distribution.

Engine Room Alarm & Monitoring

Integrated alarm and monitoring panels with configurable set-points, logging, and watchkeeper display.

Custom Panels & Switchboards

Vessel-specific control panels, junction boxes, and switchboards — designed, fabricated, and wired in-house.

Nothing Adapted From a Template

Every system we deliver is engineered specifically for the vessel it will live on. We start from your requirements, not from a product catalogue. That means the I/O architecture, the HMI layout, the alarm logic — everything reflects your vessel's actual configuration and how your crew operates.

Full Documentation Included

Every custom system we build comes with complete as-built documentation: wiring diagrams, PLC program listings, HMI screenshots, operating procedures, and maintenance notes. The system is yours — fully documented and supported long after handover.

Primary platform: Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation (ControlLogix, CompactLogix). Custom PLC solutions also available for smaller vessels and specialized applications.

Build Process

From Brief to Commissioning

Six defined stages from initial requirements through to full handover. No hand-offs to subcontractors. Our team stays involved throughout.

Stage One

Requirements & Scope

We work with you — and your technical superintendent or chief engineer where relevant — to define exactly what the system needs to do, what it needs to integrate with, and what constraints we're working within.

Stage Two

System Design

Full engineering design: I/O architecture, hardware selection, panel layout, and HMI design. For class-surveyed vessels, we factor in relevant class society requirements at this stage before a single component is ordered.

Stage Three

Panel Fabrication

We fabricate control panels and enclosures in-house to our engineering design. All components are sourced, tested, and documented before anything moves to the vessel.

Stage Four

PLC Programming & HMI

All PLC programs and HMI configurations are written by our team. We conduct full bench testing before the system goes anywhere near the vessel.

Stage Five

Installation & Commissioning

We install and commission on board, conduct full functional testing under operating conditions, and provide crew familiarization on the new system.

Stage Six

Documentation & Handover

Complete as-built documentation delivered at handover: wiring diagrams, PLC program listings, HMI screenshots, operating procedures, and maintenance notes.

Every Delivery

What Every Custom Build Includes

Full As-Built Documentation

Wiring diagrams, panel drawings, cable schedules, and complete as-built records for every system delivered.

PLC Program Listings

Full commented program source, logic descriptions, and I/O mapping documentation. You own the code.

HMI Screenshots & Manual

Screen-by-screen HMI documentation with operating procedures so your crew knows exactly how to use the system.

Crew Familiarization

On-board training for your officers and engineers before we leave. They should be able to operate and troubleshoot the system confidently.

Start a Conversation

Have a Project in Mind?

Tell us about your vessel and what you need. We'll let you know whether it's a good fit and give you a realistic picture of scope, timeline, and cost — with no obligation to proceed.

Discuss Your Project Learn more about how we work