McKay provides comprehensive marine electrical design and engineering services for new vessel construction, refits and electrical upgrades. Our experienced engineers work closely with clients, shipyards and naval architects to develop bespoke designs for electrical distribution, automation, control and monitoring systems, ensuring full compliance with marine industry standards.
Our capabilities include power system design, load analysis, power management, switchboard and generator integration, shore-power systems, propulsion and thruster controls, and vessel-wide automation. With a focus on reliability, redundancy and efficiency, McKay delivers tailored solutions that enhance the performance, safety and operability of vessels across all marine sectors.
VCAM is a McKay-developed, customised integration of all electrical equipment, providing complete control and monitoring of vessels of any size.
Designed around each client’s requirements, VCAM integrates seamlessly with all onboard electrical systems and represents the pinnacle of digital control technology. It operates two PLCs (Port/Stbd) to manage distributed Remote I/O (RIO) across the vessel, with built-in redundancy for maximum reliability. Its expandable, customisable RIO architecture enables VCAM to be tailored to any vessel’s specific needs.
From shore power and generators to propulsion, ventilation, bilge pumps, winches, anchors, halyards and sea doors, VCAM automates all major electrical systems. McKay has installed VCAM on numerous motor yachts, sailing superyachts, ferries and naval vessels worldwide.
The VCAM user interface provides full visibility of system status across the vessel and is tailored to each client, offering an intuitive yet powerful control experience.
The software is fully customisable, and the user interface can run on any device with an HDMI or DisplayPort input, integrating seamlessly into helm controls.
McKay is a leader in the electrification and hybridisation of marine vessels, with experience spanning vessels from 19 m to 145 m in length. Our engineers specialise in integrating advanced electrical systems and components to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and support compliance with the latest emission regulations.
Our services include the optimisation of power management systems, implementation of battery storage and energy recovery solutions, hybrid and fully electric propulsion architectures, and intelligent system integration to enhance operational flexibility. We also provide detailed system design, simulation, and performance analysis to ensure reliability, safety, and seamless integration with existing vessel systems.
By combining cutting-edge technology with a tailored, vessel-specific approach, McKay delivers cleaner, smarter, and more efficient marine power systems, maximising performance while reducing fuel consumption and carbon footprint across a wide range of vessel types.
McKay has extensive experience in the design, supply, and installation of ship-to-shore (onshore) power facilities, marine charging units (up to 5 megawatts), transformer installations, and EV chargers for both commercial and residential applications. Most EV charging units fall within the 7kW to 22kW range.
McKay, through its subsidiary MGE New Zealand Limited, designs and manufactures marine switchboards using the CUBIC panel system. This fully type-tested system complies with the standards of various accreditation bodies, including KEMA, ASTA, UL, DNV, GL, BV, ABS, and Lloyd’s. McKay manufactures fully automated main and emergency switchboards that include generator control, load control, and integrated shore power and bow thruster units. Our switchboards range from ‘Form 1’ to ‘Form 4’ and are fully fixed modules that can be withdrawn to an IP rating of up to IP54, with load current ratings of up to 7000A and RMS fault ratings of up to 120kA for 1 second. The range of switchboard products offered by McKay provides the flexibility to customise switchboards to meet a client’s specific requirements, including any nominated third-party equipment. Our product range includes the CUBIC, Powerak, Techno, and Pricepac.
We provide reliable marine electrical maintenance, from planned servicing to reactive callouts for urgent repairs. We work with you to create tailored asset management and maintenance programmes that keep your systems operating safely and efficiently. Using thermal imaging, we detect early faults in plant equipment and switchboards, helping you prevent failures and reduce risk. As a certified IQP, we also test emergency lighting systems to support your Building Warrant of Fitness requirements. To maintain safe and compliant workplaces, we test and tag portable electrical equipment across marine, commercial, and industrial environments.
McKay has extensive experience in the installation and maintenance of electronics and communications systems across a wide range of vessels, including both the white boat and grey boat markets. Our expertise encompasses HF, MF, VHF, UHF and SSB radio systems, GMDSS, fleet broadband, Inmarsat and Iridium satellite communications, PABX systems, VSAT, and internal communications networks. We also specialise in fibre optic backbones for marine systems, structured cabling for both internal and external communications, and the integration of advanced satellite communications solutions, ensuring reliable connectivity and operational efficiency across all vessel types.
McKay has extensive experience in the integration and maintenance of navigational electronics, covering both class installations and class operations. Our expertise includes navigational radar, ECDIS, voyage data recorders, depth and sonar systems with 3D charting capabilities, vessel and environmental monitoring instruments, and fully integrated bridge systems, ensuring safe, reliable and compliant navigation across all vessel types.
