ABB Acquires Marine Software Solutions Company Amarcon

Acquisition extends ABB’s capability for marine advisory systems and supports ABB's 'Smart Marine' initiative

ABB, the power and automation technology group, has agreed to acquire Amarcon BV, a Dutch company that develops and markets software solutions for the shipping industry. The acquisition will expand ABB’s advisory systems offering for customers in the maritime sectors. The transaction is expected to be closed in the third quarter of 2012.

Amarcon’s product portfolio provides software solutions for ships that focus on safety and improved operational ability. This addition to ABB’s portfolio will enhance the recently released offering of Marine Advisory Systems. Amarcon will join ABB’s Process Automation Division.

As energy cost, emissions and ship safety become increasingly important on ships, the need for advisory systems will grow. Advisory solutions play a critical role in helping ships to optimize their onboard operations and realize efficiency improvements. ABB’s Smart Marine initiative provides these solutions based on its unique expertise in all three fields of marine technology –propulsion systems, electrical systems, and automation and advisory systems.

“Amarcon’s Octopus product, its know-how of ship hydrodynamics and ship modeling capabilities are a complementary and strategic fit for our existing software portfolio,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s Process Automation division."