TowPro launches new tracking devices for superyacht operations
TowPro technology has been installed on several large yachts
Tender monitoring firm TowPro has announced an expansion of its product range, broadening the system from a towing solution for chase boats into a monitoring and tracking platform intended for superyacht operations.
The company, which was acquired by Yacht Sentinel in 2025, originally introduced TowPro as a dedicated system designed to support the towing of chase boats during passages. Since its launch, the technology has been installed on several large yachts, including Ahpo (115m), Ulysses (103m) and Coral Ocean (73m).
The latest development expands the platform into vessel monitoring, onboard security and the tracking of tenders, water toys and lifejackets. The company says its latest update is a response to requests from captains and crew for additional oversight and functionality from existing installations.
New tracking devices transmit coordinates to yacht’s bridge systems
A central element of the expansion is the introduction of new tracking devices designed for smaller tenders, jet skis, e‑foils and lifejackets. The devices use the Iridium GPS network to determine location and transmit coordinates to the yacht’s bridge systems, where they can be viewed through the chartplotter interface.
These trackers allow the crew to monitor the position of equipment, guests and crew when they are operating away from the yacht. The capability is intended to support oversight of water toys and other auxiliary craft commonly carried onboard large yachts.
Alongside the new trackers, TowPro has updated its original chase boat system with additional monitoring functions and alerts transmitted via VHF to the bridge. A revised user interface has also been introduced. Through integration with CZone and Garmin EmpirBus systems, the platform can transmit up to 16 alerts. These include water depth, speed over ground, engine start, motion detection, low battery levels, low fuel levels, water ingress, bilge activation, power loss and engine overheating.
Emphasis on systems designed to reduce operational risk
TowPro states that the development also reflects broader changes within the insurance environment, where there is increasing emphasis on systems designed to reduce operational risk. By combining monitoring, onboard security and tracking functions within a single platform, TowPro says, the system can reduce reliance on multiple standalone tools.
The product development programme is led by CTO Remi Duheille, previously part of Apple’s engineering team working on the iPhone.
Romain Devismes, CEO of TowPro, says: “With the TowPro screen installed, we’ve unlocked valuable space on the bridge and the opportunity to make this more than just a towing tool. Our goal is to turn TowPro into an everyday solution, something the crew uses and values daily, not only in towing situations. This release helps us stand out in a growing market by offering a smarter, more versatile solution rather than a product that solves just one problem.”
TowPro at Superyacht Technology Show 2026 in Barcelona
TowPro will present the updated platform at the Startup Zone of the Superyacht Technology Show, taking place at the World Trade Centre Barcelona 10 & 11 March 2026.
To mark the launch, TowPro is offering complimentary trackers for jet skis, tenders and water toys with new full-system installations ahead of the Mediterranean season.
The company is also developing a collaboration with Garmin focused on wearable devices for crew and guests. The planned ‘TowPro Wearables’ range is intended to integrate smartwatches for crew members and wristbands for guests, allowing additional location tracking capabilities when operating on or away from the yacht.
