ABL Group to acquire ship design firm OSD-IMT

OSD-IMT is a specialist consultancy in ship design for newbuild, refit and conversion projects. The company operates in all key marine markets including the renewables, maritime, defence and oil and gas sectors.

OSD-IMT will work closely with ABL Group company Longitude Engineering, which specialises in marine operations engineering and marine design, conversion and upgrade of specific vessel types that complement OSD-IMT’s portfolio.

“Combining OSD-IMT’s wide track record with ABL Group’s own expertise in specialist ship design, marine consultancy and marine operations creates an end-to-end capability that allows us to support our clients throughout the lifecycle of their projects, from advisory through design to decommissioning,” said Jake Anderson, group managing director for engineering services at ABL Group and managing director of Longitude Engineering.

To date, more than 150 OSD-IMT designed ships have been launched. The company’s portfolio includes zero-emission ships powered by the latest advances in battery, hydrogen and methanol power systems, complementing Longitude’s experience in hybrid-propulsion and LNG.

The sale of OSD-IMT’s UK business is in line with Damen’s strategic direction to focus on core business. The seven colleagues working for the Dutch component of OSD-IMT will be integrated into the Workboats division of Damen and the acquisition is expected to complete by the end of November 2021.