Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company's maritime rights were sold to Marconi International Marine Communications Company Ltd. Marconi Marine's business covered the provision, installation and operation of ship radio installations for up to 68 years before the company was acquired in the late 1960s by Selex ES, a subsidiary of Finmeccanica, one of Europe’s largest electronics and communications groups.
This was the second company to be set up which became the main source of income, with equipment being supplied by the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company, until an enforced government separation.
This organisation has much information about the use of wireless in the marine environment.
Training courses were run around the world for Marine radio officers by the Marconi Company, an example of which can be viewed here and another example here
An interesting article
Another interesting article
Introduction from the 1952 and 1958 Catalogues
The Marconi Company can unquestionably claim to hold unequalled experience in the design and manufacture of marine radio equipment. This experience is applicable to both shipborne units and equipment for coastal and harbour communications.
In lighthouses and lightships, harbour masters' offices, pilot cutters and tugs, the radio installations, which may include direction finders, radar, radio telephone and beacons, are plying a vital role in everyday operation. Naval and other ocean-going vessels are also fitted with communications equipment and navigational aids, and the extensive requirements in this field can be fully met.
Introduction 1963
The Marconi Company can claim to have unequalled experience in the design and manufacture of marine radio equipment. This experience is applicable to both shipborne units and equipment for coastal and harbour communications.
In lighthouses and lightships, harbour masters' offices, pilot cutters and tugs, the radio installations (which may include direction finders, radar, radio telephones and beacons) are playing a vital role in everyday operation. Naval and other ocean-going vessels are also fitted with communications equipment and navigational aids, and the extensive requirements in this field can be fully met, including SSB communication, the advantages of which are now available in the marine sphere.
Navigation radar and shipborne direction finding equipment is available to meet the needs of all vessels, great and small. The new NR506 series of radar equipment is a major achievement.
Introduction 1969
An introduction to Marconi shipborne Communications equipment is available here
Marine Products
Pre-WW2
Branded products
Post-WW2
Navigational Aids Products
Navigational Aids
Associated links
Elettra series of yachts
These were used by Marconi for both demonstration of the Company's marine products and personal travel.
Elettra I - the famous steam yacht, purchased by Marconi in 1919/1920. Click here to find details from the 'Marconi Calling', website, also here
Elettra II - purchased by Marconi Company in 1950. A converted wartime motor torpedo boat, it became so top-heavy with aerials and radar equipment that when it rolled, there was a sickening delay before it righted itself. After a tour of Norway it was found that all but one of the stringers (the longitudinal beams that were supposed to hold the ship together) were broken and it was scrapped. In 1951 it concluded a tour of East coasts and continental ports here. In 1955 it visited Copenhagen here.
Elettra III - purpose-built for Marconi Company in 1962 - later details here - short video here. A vessel fact sheet is available here.
A brief description of the three Elettra models can be found on the 'Berwick Shipyard' website here. Other details here
Articles
To view a list of articles relating to Marine click here
In addition to the above here is an article on the History of Maritime Distress Calls.
Wireless Telegraphy for Marine Intercommunication by WW Bradfield of Marconi in 1910 click here
Graces Guide
Radio Museum entry
Company badge
A useful archive
Press clippings and advertisements
To view a list of press clippings and advertisements relating to Marine click here.
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