The National Marine Electronics Association released new NMEA 2000 network messages to accommodate electric propulsion and battery management.
Six network messages, known as parameter group numbers, were added to the NMEA 2000 Standard, Appendix B, which manufacturers can use to implement electric motor controls and status via NMEA 2000-certified control boxes and multifunction displays. NMEA encourages manufacturers of electric motors, battery systems and MFDs to adopt the messages as the electrification of boats continues.
“The volunteer NMEA 2000 Electric Propulsion working group spent countless house ingesting, digesting and reviewing the technical minutiae that is needed to get it right,” Mark Oslund, NMEA director of standards, said in a statement.
Added president and executive director Mark Reedenauer: “The NMEA 2000 Standard has become the vehicle for vessel data of all types to be viewed and controlled from multiple MFDs on board. Adopting the NMEA 2000 Standard saves EP and battery manufacturer resources by partnering with certified MFD manufacturers and utilizing their display to view data from motors and batteries.”
The new PGNs are free to manufacturers that have previously purchased the standard, provided that the company is an NMEA member for the 2023 calendar year. Non-member companies that have previously purchased the standard can renew their membership to obtain the PGNs for free or can remain a non-member and pay 50% of the published price of the standard.
