ABB has completed its acquisition of Norwegian marine automation specialist Høglund AS, expanding its automation capabilities across a wider range of vessel segments.
The transaction, completed on September 1 following the agreement announced in June, brings Høglund’s global operations into ABB’s Marine & Ports division. The business employs 85 people across Norway, Poland, Romania and China.
At the centre of the acquisition is Høglund’s Integrated Automation System (IAS), a modular and scalable platform already installed on more than 600 vessels.
The system is based on ABB control system hardware and integrates data from onboard equipment including engines, generators and cargo systems, supporting vessel monitoring, automation and control while helping operators improve safety, energy efficiency and operational performance.
Rune Braastad, President of ABB’s Marine & Ports division, said the combination would strengthen ABB’s position in marine automation.
“By adding Høglund’s automation platform as a solution to ABB’s product portfolio, we combine advanced marine automation capabilities with global reach and an extensive service network,” he said.
Høglund CEO Peter Morsbach described the deal as recognition of the automation technology and expertise the company has developed over the past 30 years.
Saara Kuusisto, Global Business Line Manager, Marine Systems at ABB Marine & Ports, said the acquisition would also enable ABB to expand its ability to deliver more comprehensive integrated solutions to vessels worldwide.
Høglund, headquartered in Tønsberg, Norway, will now combine its specialist marine automation expertise with ABB’s international sales, engineering and service network.
