ABB’s deal to acquire Amarcon, a Netherlands-based company that develops and markets software solutions for the shipping industry, was closed on August 22. Amarcon develops technology and solutions for decision support aiming to increase the operational availability and cost efficiency of ships.
Amarcon will help ABB to further develop its advisory systems and automation business as well as expand company’s presence in other sectors, including the heavy lift market. The combination of Amarcon and ABB will also broaden company’s expertise in ship modeling and software solutions.
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.
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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, August 28, 2012; Image: abb