About Us

Excellence. Dependability. Service.

With over 20 years of experience in marine electrical power and control systems design, ASD’s focus is on the design and manufacturing excellence vital to building word-class yachts and other high performance vessels.  We have been an important part of the design and deployment team on many prestigious projects such as the Alaska High-speed Ferries: Fairweather and Chenega, S/Y Mirabella III, S/Y MitSeaAH, and the US Navy Hurricane series High-speed Patrol Craft to name some. 

Advanced System Design (ASD) Founder

President and Chief Design Engineer John D. Thompson founded ASD because of his passion for the marine industry combined with his electrical engineering education and training.  When he worked as a mechanic for small boat yards and marinas in the 1970′s, he became fascinated with the go-fast off-shore boats. This led him to focus, throughout his career, on the power management of sophisticated vessels. He also specializes in advanced controls, making it an ideal fit for his company to serve the Super Yacht, commercial and High-speed Ferry marine sector. 

Earlier in John’s career, his quest to gain a better understanding of what a captain’s needs are during vessel operations led him to receiving his US Coastguard Captains license. Also, during this time, John completed several courses in marine mechanics and marine electrical systems.  John then spent some time in the US Military performing operations all over the world, ending his time in service with an honorable discharge, high level security clearance, and several accommodations.  After the military, John completed his engineering degree with a primary focus on advanced controls and power management. Since then, John has worked for various marine companies with his last position as Head of the Electrical Engineering Department for Derecktor Shipyards of Bridgeport, CT.

Partnership with PI Marine

ASD also provides cutting edge lighting control systems through its partnership with PI Marine. Using the latest LED technology, lighting solutions range from a simple Engine Room with On/Off Control, or a Super Yacht using multi-colored dimming LEDs with a central processor control. 

Our Commitments

With a steadfast commitment to excellence, dependability and service in the design of electrical power and control systems of custom built vessels, the ASD team is driven to help build yachts with the latest and most advanced technology.  Our goal is to address the complex needs of high performance vessels, while maintaining a level of quality and service that ensures efficient and successful production.    

Working with ASD ensures:

  • Professional designs and documentation that exceed customer expectations
  • Superior craftsmanship and flexibility in panel design and manufacturing
  • Dependability in meeting project deadlines
  • Regular project reviews to ensure smooth and successful vessel production
  • Customer satisfaction with our commitment to excellence in service and support

Shipyards and Builders Supported

  • Breaux Bay Craft
  • Broward Marine Shipyards
  • Burger Boat Company
  • Cheoy Lee Shipyards
  • Christensen Shipyard
  • Delta Marine
  • Derecktor Shipyards
  • Hatteras Yachts
  • Hodgdon Yachts
  • Palmer Johnson
  • Real Ships
  • Royal Malaysia Navy Shipyard
  • The Hinckley Company
  • US Navy Westport Shipyard
  • VosperThornycroft