ECDIS — Electronic Chart Display and Information System — has replaced paper charts as the primary means of navigation on most merchant vessels, tankers and offshore support ships. It pulls in position data from GPS, heading from the gyrocompass, and target data from radar and AIS, laying all of it over official electronic charts in real time. Getting the right unit fitted, and keeping it running to carriage requirements, comes down to a handful of details that are easy to overlook until an inspection flags them.
What ECDIS Actually Does
At its core, ECDIS displays official vector charts (ENCs) and continuously plots the vessel's position against them, replacing the need to carry a full paper chart folio for the areas it covers. Beyond simple display, it runs route planning, automatic grounding and collision alerts, and keeps a record of the voyage for later review — functions that took several separate pieces of bridge equipment to do before ECDIS became standard.
ENC vs RCDS Mode
ECDIS can run in two modes depending on chart coverage. In ENC mode, the system uses official vector charts with full functionality — automatic alarms, route checking and all the safety features the system is designed around. In RCDS (Raster Chart Display System) mode, used where full vector coverage isn't yet available for an area, the unit displays scanned paper charts instead, and several of the automatic safety functions are reduced or unavailable. Bridge teams need to know which mode they're in for any given passage, since the level of automatic protection is different.
Chart Updates and Data Management
Electronic charts need regular updates just like paper charts did, delivered either by internet download or physical media depending on the vessel's connectivity. Missing updates is one of the most common ECDIS-related deficiencies found during Port State Control inspections, so update scheduling needs to be built into the vessel's routine rather than left until a chart looks out of date.
Backup Arrangements
SOLAS requires an independent backup arrangement for ECDIS, since it's typically the vessel's sole means of navigation. This is usually a second ECDIS unit, though some administrations still accept an appropriate folio of paper charts as backup. Whichever route is chosen, the backup needs to be tested and demonstrably ready — not just present in a cupboard.
Integration With Radar, AIS and Gyrocompass
Most ECDIS units overlay radar and AIS targets directly onto the chart display, and take heading from the gyrocompass to keep the vessel's position and orientation accurate. Before ordering a unit, confirm its input/output protocols match the radar, AIS and gyrocompass already fitted — a mismatch here is one of the most common causes of integration delays during installation or retrofit.
ECDIS Brands & Model Numbers We Work With
Most vessels we support are already running one of a handful of established ECDIS brands. Here's a quick reference on the model numbers you're likely to come across, and what each is generally used for. Nautical Marine Services supplies units and spares across all of these brands on an order basis — see our full ECDIS range.
Furuno
| Model | Notes |
|---|---|
| Furuno FEA-2107 | Standard ECDIS unit, part of the FEA-2xx7 series |
| Furuno FEA-2107-BB | Black-box variant of the FEA-2107, for integration into existing consoles |
| Furuno FEA-2807 | Larger-display unit in the same FEA-2xx7 series |
Furuno FEA-2107 & FEA-2107-BB
Looking for the Furuno FEA-2107 specification? This is a standard ECDIS unit from the FEA-2xx7 series. We can confirm current FEA-2107-BB price for the black-box variant, built for integration into existing consoles.
Furuno FEA-2807
The Furuno FEA-2807 is the larger-display unit in the FEA-2xx7 series. Contact us for current price and availability for your vessel.
Looking to buy or replace a Furuno ECDIS unit? Send us your model number — we confirm current specification, price and lead time before you order.
JRC (Japan Radio Co.)
| Model | Notes |
|---|---|
| JRC JAN-701B | Full-feature ECDIS with TCS and radar overlay support |
| JRC JAN-901B / JAN-901M | Full-feature ECDIS, commonly installed on large vessels |
| JRC JAN-2000 | Cost-effective ECDIS for mid/small vessels and workboats, gyro/log/GPS/AIS inputs only |
| JRC JAN-9201 / JAN-7201 | Current-generation ECDIS series |
JRC JAN-701B & JAN-901B/JAN-901M
Looking for the JRC JAN-701B specification? This full-feature ECDIS includes TCS and radar overlay support. We can confirm current JAN-901B price for large-vessel installations, including the JAN-901M variant.
JRC JAN-2000
The JRC JAN-2000 is a cost-effective ECDIS for mid/small vessels and workboats, with gyro/log/GPS/AIS inputs only. Ask us for current price and availability.
JRC JAN-9201 & JAN-7201
The JRC JAN-9201 and JAN-7201 are the current-generation JRC ECDIS series. Contact us to confirm specification and pricing for your vessel.
Looking to buy or replace a JRC ECDIS unit? Send us your model number — we confirm current specification, price and availability before you order.
Sperry Marine (Northrop Grumman)
| Model | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sperry VisionMaster FT ECDIS | Combines chart, radar overlay and route planning on a single graphic interface |
| Sperry VisionMaster FT5 | Current generation of the VisionMaster FT ECDIS platform |
Sperry VisionMaster FT ECDIS & FT5
Looking for the Sperry VisionMaster FT ECDIS specification? This combines chart, radar overlay and route planning on a single graphic interface. We can confirm current VisionMaster FT5 price for the current-generation platform.
Looking to buy or replace a Sperry ECDIS unit? Send us your model number — we confirm current specification, price and availability before you order.
Kelvin Hughes
| Model | Notes |
|---|---|
| Kelvin Hughes MantaDigital ZM2144 | Desktop/console ECDIS unit |
| Kelvin Hughes MantaDigital ZM2300 | Desktop/console ECDIS unit, larger display option |
| Kelvin Hughes MantaDigital ZM-1816 | Compact ECDIS display variant |
Kelvin Hughes MantaDigital ZM2144 & ZM2300
Looking for the Kelvin Hughes MantaDigital ZM2144 specification? These are desktop/console ECDIS units. We can confirm current ZM2300 price for the larger display option.
Kelvin Hughes MantaDigital ZM-1816
The Kelvin Hughes ZM-1816 is the compact ECDIS display variant, suited to vessels with limited console space. Ask us for current price and availability.
Looking to buy or replace a Kelvin Hughes ECDIS unit? Send us your model number — we confirm current specification, price and availability before you order.
Wärtsilä (Transas)
| Model | Notes |
|---|---|
| Navi-Sailor 4000 ECDIS MFD (Standard) | Base configuration of Transas's current ECDIS platform |
| Navi-Sailor 4000 ECDIS MFD (Premium) | Higher-spec configuration with extended functionality |
Navi-Sailor 4000 ECDIS MFD Standard & Premium
Looking for the Navi-Sailor 4000 ECDIS specification? The Standard configuration is the base of Transas's current ECDIS platform, while the Premium configuration adds extended functionality. Contact us to confirm which fits your vessel and current pricing.
Raytheon Anschütz
| Model | Notes |
|---|---|
| Anschütz Synapsis ECDIS | Standard ECDIS within the Synapsis integrated bridge platform |
| Anschütz Synapsis ECDIS NX | Current-generation Synapsis ECDIS |
Anschütz Synapsis ECDIS & Synapsis ECDIS NX
Looking for the Anschütz Synapsis ECDIS specification? This is the standard ECDIS within the Synapsis integrated bridge platform. We can confirm current Synapsis ECDIS NX price for the current-generation version.
Looking to buy or replace an Anschütz ECDIS unit? Send us your model number — we confirm current specification, price and availability before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions – ECDIS Models
What is the Furuno FEA-2107 specification?
The FEA-2107 is a standard ECDIS unit from Furuno's FEA-2xx7 series. Contact us for the full specification sheet, current price and lead time, including the FEA-2107-BB black-box variant.
Where can I buy a Furuno FEA-2807 or spare parts?
We supply the FEA-2807 and its spare parts to order. Send us your vessel type to confirm current availability and price.
What is the difference between JRC JAN-901B and JAN-901M?
Both are full-feature ECDIS units commonly installed on large vessels, differing mainly in console configuration. We can confirm which variant fits your vessel's console setup.
Is the JRC JAN-2000 suitable for a workboat or small vessel?
Yes — the JAN-2000 is a cost-effective ECDIS designed for mid/small vessels and workboats, with gyro/log/GPS/AIS inputs only rather than full radar overlay support.
What is the current Sperry VisionMaster FT5 price?
Pricing depends on configuration and bridge integration requirements. Send us your vessel details for an accurate quote on the VisionMaster FT5 or the earlier VisionMaster FT ECDIS.
What is the difference between Navi-Sailor 4000 Standard and Premium?
The Standard configuration is the base version of Transas's current ECDIS platform, while the Premium configuration adds extended functionality. We can confirm which fits your vessel's requirements.
Is the Anschütz Synapsis ECDIS NX compatible with an existing Synapsis bridge?
Yes — the Synapsis ECDIS NX is the current-generation version within the same Synapsis integrated bridge platform, making it a common upgrade path for vessels already running Synapsis.
How do I identify which ECDIS model my vessel is running?
A photo of the display unit and processor nameplate is usually enough for us to confirm the exact model and current availability.
Quick Checklist Before You Order
- Confirm ENC coverage and RCDS backup requirements for your operating area
- Check chart update delivery method matches vessel connectivity
- Verify backup arrangement (second unit or paper folio) meets flag requirements
- Confirm input/output protocol compatibility with existing radar, AIS and gyrocompass
- Check display size and mounting against available console space
Once you've confirmed your specification, Nautical Marine Services can check availability from our ECDIS range and arrange delivery to your vessel's next port of call.
Need an ECDIS Unit for Your Vessel?
Nautical Marine Services works on an order basis — share your vessel type and connected systems, and we'll help you supply the right ECDIS unit from our ECDIS range for delivery to your vessel.
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