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Artificial intelligence continues to take hold on board boats. On January 29, 2026, Hefring Marine announced the arrival of its Intelligent Marine Assistance System, IMAS, as a validated integration on Raymarine's LightHouse operating system. Users of Axiom displays can now access this digital assistant directly from the helm station.
An on-board assistant accessible from the cockpit
IMAS Helm is a digital co-pilot for skippers. The system continuously analyzes boat performance, weather conditions and various operational parameters.
The information is returned in the form of usable recommendations, designed to improve navigation decision-making and boat management.
IMAS uses data from onboard sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms. The aim is to optimize certain uses, such as fuel consumption, while contributing to crew and vessel safety. The system alerts and advises according to the actual navigation context, without any external intervention.
Direct integration into LightHouse OS
Integration with the LightHouse system enables Raymarine Axiom display users to access IMAS functions without changing interface or hardware. The assistant can be used directly from the multifunction display, in the same way as other navigation tools. This continuity of display is designed to simplify use and limit handling at the helm.
Karl Birgir Björnsson, Managing Director of Hefring Marine, explains " we wanted to make our artificial intelligence technology more accessible to browsers. Integration with LightHouse brings these functions directly to the helm, where they're needed most .
For Raymarine, Michelle Hildyard, Vice President of Operations, underlines " our desire to offer integrated solutions that enhance the perception of the environment and contribute to safer navigation" .
A further step in the spread of AI at sea
This integration marks a new stage in the development of IMAS on different platforms. Hefring Marine, an Icelandic company specializing in marine technologies, deploys its solutions on both workboats and pleasure craft.
The growth of these tools reflects a change in usage, with automation and data analysis gradually finding their place on board, in the service of safety and efficiency.
