7 Powerful Ways Our Marine Joystick Technology Helped China State Shipbuilding Improve Efficiency
In the high-stakes world of maritime engineering, equipment reliability isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. SAEKAI recently partnered with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) to tackle a long-standing operational issue: the premature failure of marine joystick systems due to inadequate sealing. With saltwater, extreme temperature fluctuations, and 24/7 operation, CSSC needed a joystick that could withstand brutal marine environments while delivering accurate, stable control.
Through extensive testing, field collaboration, and product redesign, SAEKAI delivered a robust marine joystick solution that exceeded expectations. Here’s how our technology helped CSSC minimize downtime, extend component life, and improve operational efficiency across multiple fleets.
Why Marine Joystick Reliability Matters
Modern marine vessels, whether civilian or military, rely on joystick systems for everything from crane positioning to thruster control. A marine joystick must offer high precision, long life, and above all, resistance to environmental hazards such as salt corrosion, water intrusion, and vibration.
Without reliable joysticks, operators face control lag, safety risks, and increased repair cycles. CSSC was experiencing these exact issues, which led to costly delays and reputation risks. Their engineering team sought a solution that could perform consistently under pressure — and SAEKAI stepped up.
Challenge: Harsh Marine Conditions Exposing Weaknesses
CSSC reported joystick performance failures on several cargo vessels and naval support platforms. Upon inspection, it was discovered that many legacy joystick units suffered from:
- Seal deterioration due to salt fog and UV exposure
- Sensor corrosion leading to erratic feedback signals
- Condensation buildup inside enclosures
- High vibration sensitivity affecting mechanical stability
These conditions accelerated wear and compromised safety. With increasingly digital navigation and autonomous systems, any input failure in a marine joystick could lead to mission-critical consequences.
Our Solution: NE23 Marine Joystick Built for Extremes
SAEKAI introduced the NE23 Single Axis Controller — a next-generation marine joystick designed with rugged sealing, modular electronics, and long-lifecycle components. It features:
- IP67 sealing with dual-layer gaskets
- Hall effect sensors with no mechanical wear points
- CANopen digital output for real-time system monitoring
- High-strength aluminum alloy housing with marine-grade coating
The NE23’s compact footprint made it easy to retrofit into existing panels, while its high tolerance to vibration and thermal cycling made it ideal for offshore applications. Our engineers also customized the joystick’s tension feedback to match CSSC’s specific handling requirements.
7 Key Improvements Delivered to CSSC
- 99.8% Reduction in Water Ingress: The redesigned enclosure virtually eliminated water penetration.
- 30% Faster Installation: Compact design and pre-wired terminals simplified retrofitting.
- 4x Longer Service Intervals: Improved reliability allowed quarterly to annual maintenance cycles.
- Operator Satisfaction Increased: Smooth response curve and ergonomic grip improved control accuracy.
- System Integration Made Easy: CANopen support enabled seamless integration with onboard PLCs.
- Standardization Across 6 Vessel Classes: One joystick model used for multiple platforms.
- Rapid ROI: Reduced downtime and repairs translated to annual savings exceeding ¥280,000 per vessel.
Endorsement from a Global Shipbuilding Leader
CSSC is not only China’s largest shipbuilding group but also a global leader in marine engineering. Their decision to standardize on SAEKAI’s marine joystick solution speaks volumes about our technical credibility. The collaboration was documented in CSSC’s internal engineering circular as “a benchmark case for control system improvement in marine environments.”
Visit the CSSC official website to learn more about their operations.
Wider Applications of NE23 in the Marine Sector
The NE23 marine joystick is now deployed across multiple CSSC platforms including container vessels, offshore cranes, mooring systems, and dynamic positioning stations. Its adaptability makes it an ideal control interface for:
- Anchor and winch control
- Tugboat steering systems
- Subsea ROV navigation consoles
- Deck crane handling
- Thruster management systems
Whether it’s used in analog redundancy or full digital CAN networks, the NE23’s modularity ensures future-proof integration.
Preparing for the Future of Marine Controls
The maritime industry is evolving rapidly, with increased focus on automation, hybrid propulsion, and remote operation. SAEKAI continues to invest in joystick innovation, with future models featuring onboard fault diagnosis, remote firmware updates, and multi-axis compatibility.
Our ongoing partnerships with OEMs and fleet managers ensure that our marine joystick products stay ahead of technical and environmental demands — while keeping crew safety and operational uptime at the core of every design.
Conclusion: The Right Joystick Makes All the Difference
CSSC’s success story demonstrates the value of upgrading to advanced marine joystick technology. With the NE23, they gained a durable, intelligent, and cost-effective control system tailored for the harsh realities of maritime operations.
Ready to enhance your marine control systems?
Learn more about the NE23 Single Axis Controller here.