Company - EMRI

WELCOME TO EMRI

PIONEERS IN STEERING

Based on internationally acknowledged research, EMRI – Electronic and Marine Research Industries, was the first company in the world to use analogue steering/rudder control systems, which improved steering performances significantly.

On this foundation EMRI has also pioneered automatic heading control and dynamic positioning for large vessels.

We believe that close and continuous dialogue with our customers will increase our dedication to provide optimal services and solutions.

CO-DEVELOPING WITH FURUNO

“Following Furuno’s acquisition of EMRI in 2020, we have started a close R&D cooperation with the Japanese teams. New tools, processes and cultural differences make EMRI an exciting workplace.”

– Morten Novak Bro, CEO

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our history

CELEBRATING MORE THAN 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS

1970´S

MRI first saw the light of day on April 1st 1972 and was established by MSc.EE Jens Christian Nørtoft Thomsen. He was working at now-defunct Decca Arkas, when he decided to use his engineering skills to start his own company. By using his connections, he started making autopilots and rudder indicators as a subcontractor exclusively for Decca Arkas.

EMRI - Electronic and Marine Research Industries performed internationally acknowledged research studies on analogue steering in the late 1970s. The purpose of this research was to improve steering performances.

1980´S

In 1981, the relations to Decca Arkas ended when they denied selling their electronic remote-controlled course repeater to EMRI, which was forced to develop its own.

From that point on, EMRI became free to supply the entire maritime industry.

EMRI sold around 20 custom made autopilots during this decade and was not a significant market challenge to anyone. However, business progressed in 1989 when the North Sea Shipyard decided to use EMRI´s analogue autopilots as standard. It was also around that time EMRI developed their first microprocessor product - the SEM1000 Autopilot.

1990´S

The SEM1000 was sold over a seven-year period, and in 1994 the SEM200 Autopilot was introduced (this was later also to become known as the FAP-2000 when sold through Furuno). Over 1000 SEM200’s have been sold and became very popular especially among vessels navigating in narrow waters. It has always been known among customers as a good and well-steering autopilot/track-pilot.

In 1991 EMRI acquired their own woodworking and thereby insourced production of wood, plastic and aluminiumparts.

2000´S

EMRI supplies vessels with much more than Autopilots and Rudder Servos - just take a quick glance at the products menu. The first Joystick/DP System was delivered in 1981 however, this decade became a turning point in this product type for EMRI. During these years almost double as many systems were sold than had been delivered in total in the last 20 years.

Close contact with ship integrators and a good image in the cruise industry for manufacturing precise and reliable equipment played a central role in this. Also, deliveries to Mega Yachts played a role, as EMRI could make custom designs to meet individual demands from architects and owners.

2010´S

In 2011 Jens Christian Nortoft Thomsen sold the company to his son Claus Nortoft Thomsen who took over as EMRI´s owner and Managing Director. He had been working at EMRI since 2003. In 2012 EMRI launched the SEM300 Autopilot, the successor of the SEM200. It is branded as FAP-3000 when sold through Furuno.

The Danish company now maintains production of more than 600 products. The company was established with the purpose of supplying excellence in ship control to the maritime industry, and continues to deliver high quality equipment throughout the decade.

2020´S

On 1. July 2020 EMRI became a part of the Furuno organization, which is an innovative market leader within the field of maritime navigation, communication and acoustics. EMRI will continue business as usual while our access to Furuno´s technical expertise, innovative technologies and expanding global reach will provide new benefits and solutions for our customers.

In 2023 Morten Novak Bro took over the role as EMRI´s CEO to accelerate growth and development, while Claus Nortoft Thomsen continues to contribute as Chief Sales Officer.

EMRI maintains to be in excellent position to keep designing and manufacturing quality products for the maritime industry.