D-Marin: smart utility control across 26 premium marinas

Client_

D-Marin is a rapidly growing network of 26 premium marinas located in 9 countries (as of December 2025). The company manages over 14,000 berths, including more than 1,000 berths dedicated to superyachts. By investing over 10 million euros in IT solutions development, D-Marin consistently optimizes marina operations and enhances the quality of its customers’ experiences.

Our role in the project_

Our role was to design and implement a complete IoT solution for remote port infrastructure management, from electronics to the physical product. We created intelligent port pedestals that deliver electricity and water to moored yachts, giving marinas full control over every aspect of their operation – remotely, in real-time.

The devices we designed allow marina operators to turn media access on and off, continuously monitor energy and water consumption, and automatically detect situations when a user disconnects a plug from an outlet. We also built in remote control functionality for port lighting.

We designed the entire solution based on LoRaWAN wireless communication, which ensures simple installation, reliable connection, and low operating costs – crucial in expansive port areas.

Beyond the technological layer, we designed and manufacture our own port pedestal housing.
Made of durable polyethylene using the rotomoulding method, it performs ideally in demanding marine conditions, being resistant to water, sun exposure, and mechanical damage.
This comprehensive approach, combining advanced electronics with thoughtful product design, allowed us to deliver a solution ready for deployment without the need for integration with external suppliers.

Today, we actively support D-Marin in further system implementation across additional locations.

Project goal_

• Optimization and automation of the customer billing process for consumed utilities.
• Elimination of unauthorized utility consumption.
• Improvement of end-customer usability and experience.
• Replacement of non-functional or incorrectly functioning competitor solutions.
• Detection of measuring device failures.
• Prevention of electricity theft.
• Facilitation of reporting and business analytics.

Challenges_

The project presented us with three fundamental technical challenges, each requiring a non-standard approach.

Extreme environmental conditions

A marina is one of the most demanding environments for electronic devices. Moisture and salt water constantly attack every gap, penetrating the interior of bollards and drastically shortening the lifespan of components. In some locations, such as northern Italy and France, temperatures drop below zero in winter, while in summer the bollards must withstand intense sunlight and high temperatures.

On top of this come stringent regulatory requirements for electrical safety in port areas. The bollards must be completely sealed and weatherproof, while at the same time mechanically robust, designed to operate reliably for many years in a harsh, high-salinity environment. Yet under sufficient force (such as a boat impact), they should safely detach from their base to avoid damaging the vessel.

Wireless network scalability

The second challenge was designing a wireless network capable of handling up to 500 devices across the expansive area of a marina. The system must ensure regular data readings from every bollard, minimal latency during real-time control, and resilience to interference, particularly in the congested radio environment of a port filled with yachts carrying their own electronics. In emergency situations, the ability to remotely update the software of hundreds of devices simultaneously is also essential, without interrupting the operation of the entire marina.

Physical product complexity

The third challenge was designing and manufacturing our own pedestal housing that combines all technical requirements with the aesthetics and functionality of a premium marina. The solution had to be not only technologically advanced, but also practical, safe, and ready for mass production.

Workflow_

From vision to first prototype

We started the project with a series of workshops with D-Marin’s product manager and marina representatives, during which we jointly defined requirements and mapped user needs. The initial concept assumed using ready-made devices available on the market. We conducted a Proof of Concept in one of the marinas. The test was successful and confirmed the validity of the chosen direction.

Strategic pivot and custom controller

In parallel with the tests, a more ambitious idea emerged: designing a dedicated controller that would replace several separate devices. This solution enabled significant cost optimization and miniaturization of the entire system, crucial for scaling across dozens of marinas. The client accepted this concept and we decided on another PoC, this time on a much larger scale – 50 port pedestals. The success of this stage opened the way to full-scale implementation in the first 11 marinas.

Iterative development and extensions

During the project, we continued developing the solution. Successive versions of controllers and extension modules were created, enabling control of lighting, solenoid valves, and flow meters, responding to growing user needs. The next step was convincing the client to design and produce their own port pedestal, which closed the full cycle from electronics to physical product.

Supporting ecosystem

Beyond hardware, we created a complete software ecosystem. We built a system enabling local infrastructure operation with automatic backup in case of internet connection loss, as well as a dedicated mobile application for electricians that radically accelerates the process of installing and replacing controllers in the field.

Strategy adopted_

Speed and technology ownership as advantage

Our strategy was based on one key decision: designing our own device as quickly as possible, which completely changed the future face of the project. Manufacturing dedicated controllers instead of integrating competitor solutions opened significantly greater revenue potential for D-Marin and gave full control over the technology. Equally important, this solution bound us more closely with the client, building a foundation for long-term cooperation and joint product development.

Building an ecosystem instead of a single product

From the beginning, we thought about an ecosystem, not just one device. Subsequent steps involved enriching the platform with new modules and functions: lighting control, solenoid valves, flow meters, creating additional sources of value and revenue. Each element was designed with easy integration and scalability in mind.

Technical support as success element

A key element of the strategy was ensuring comprehensive technical support at every stage of implementation. The dedicated application for electricians, local system backups, and quick response to requests all translated into positive reception of the solution and trust that opened doors to additional marinas.

Full integration, from electronics to physical product

Convincing the client to design their own port pedestal was another strategic breakthrough. Implementations using our complete pedestals, instead of modernizing existing infrastructure or purchasing competitor products, are associated with multiple times higher revenues and full control over the quality of the entire solution. This end-to-end approach became our unique market advantage.

Delivered solution_

We have created and continue to actively develop a comprehensive ecosystem for controlling media consumption in marinas: from devices, through software, to physical infrastructure. The key to its strength is versatility: the solution integrates via API with the client’s ERP system and a mobile application for end users, providing a standard set of commands. This allows D-Marin to implement any business logic, flat-rate billing, postpaid or prepaid models, as well as making the system available to port and municipal services.

Versatility extends to the hardware layer as well. Our growing portfolio of hardware solutions supports both the full outfitting of a new marina with our bollards and the modernisation of existing infrastructure through retrofitting with our purpose-built controllers.

Every marina, regardless of its current state, can take full advantage of the system.

Project deliverables_

Controllers and electronic modules

• MM-E (6-channel controller) 
  The main bollard controller equipped with 6 universal channels, capable of handling both electrical sockets and water taps, in any configuration tailored to the needs of a given installation.
• MM-E-8 (8-channel controller)
  Extended controller version supporting up to 4 electrical outlets and 4 taps.
• MM-E-44 (integrated controller) 
  Flagship controller version with built-in solenoid valve and flow meter control modules – for up to 4 electrical outlets and 4 taps.
• EM-R1 (extension module)
  A module enabling the extension of the controller’s functions most commonly used for controlling bollard lighting.
• MOD-VALVE
  Module for controlling 6V bistable solenoid valves.
• MOD-FLOW
  Module for reading data from flow meters.

Physical infrastructure

• Modern Poly – port pedestal  
  Proprietary pedestal made of durable polyethylene using the rotomoulding method. Enables installation of up to 6 electrical outlets (16A–125A) and 4 taps in one compact structure resistant to marine conditions.
• Footing (mounting base)
  base, then easily placing the pedestal onto protruding mounting studs. Simple installation even in difficult conditions.

Software layer

• Marina management app
  A locally hosted application providing full control over the system even in the event of an internet or ERP failure. Operators can manage access to sockets and water taps and read energy and water meter readings, independently of external infrastructure.
• Technician app
  A tool that radically accelerates the installation and replacement of devices. The process is straightforward: the technician scans the device QR code, the bollard QR code, and configures the types and number of sockets and taps. The application automatically reads the GPS location and registers the bollard’s position in the system. It also notifies technicians of faults and failures detected by the system. Replacing a device? Simply scan the QR codes again.
• Admin management app
  A tool for managing devices throughout their entire lifecycle, from production to field deployment. The application records the history of every controller and bollard, logs data and transmits it to the D-Marin data lake. It enables software version management across all devices, as well as scheduling and supervising group updates. From an administrator’s perspective, it provides full visibility across all managed marinas, in one place.
• Production tools
  A set of tools supporting production and quality control: automated device testing, label printers, QR code scanners, and field testers enabling technicians to verify the correct operation of bollards directly in the marina.

Benefits_

For the client

• Faster failure detection.
• Replacement of non-functional competitor solutions.
• Real-time knowledge of every pedestal’s status in the marina.
• Automation of the invoicing process.
• Reduction of customer service time.

For the user

• Utility management from phone level.
• Shortened service time.
• Independence from marina staff.
• Current remote consumption monitoring.
• Alerts related to power outages.
• Prevention of electricity theft by other users.

ROI i business impact

• Reduction of implementation costs.
• Increased revenue from utility consumption.
• Modern image of the marina network.
• Building customer loyalty.

Technologies_

• C++
• Embedded
• React
• Node.js

Summary_

The project for D-Marin, a rapidly growing network of 26 premium marinas in 9 countries serving The project for D-Marin, a rapidly growing network of 26 premium marinas across 9 countries serving over 50,000 physical customers, became an example of comprehensive digital transformation of port infrastructure.

What began as implementation of ready-made market devices transformed into a full-fledged ecosystem of proprietary solutions, from designing dedicated electronic controllers, through production of custom port pedestals, to creating software supporting the entire product lifecycle. Thanks to a flexible approach and iterative development, we managed to deliver a solution that not only meets expectations but opens new business opportunities for the client.

The result? Automation of utility billing, improved experience for both marina operators and yacht owners, increased safety, and radical enhancement of operational efficiency across dozens of locations worldwide. Equally important, we built foundations for long-term cooperation and further joint platform development.

This is a project that demonstrates true innovation is not just about technology, but about the courage to change course and think about an end-to-end solution.

Future steps_

Scaling to new locations

With D-Marin’s expansion, we are planning implementations in additional marinas worldwide. Each new client acquisition is an opportunity to extend our ecosystem’s reach and further refine the solution under different geographical and climate conditions.

Ecosystem development and new features

We are expanding the platform with additional modules that increase safety and comfort. Plans include marina access control systems, fire detection, and advanced analytical features in the software. Each element is designed with easy integration with existing infrastructure in mind.

Market expansion  

Our long-term ambition is to take the solution beyond the D-Marin network and offer the platform to other marina operators worldwide. We are also considering integration possibilities with competitive solutions, creating an open standard for port infrastructure management. This opens the path to positioning our ecosystem as the leading solution in the industry.

Testimonials_

Digital transformation creates value only when technology solves real operational challenges. Smart Pedestals streamline utility management, improve the customer experience, and give marina teams the visibility they need to operate more efficiently.