Wärtsilä to acquire Transas in smart marine drive

The €210 million deal is expected to be completed in Q2 2018. Transas, which generates annual net sales of around €140 million, recently launched its A-Suite package of cloud-based services – including manoeuvring, diagnostics and routing software – incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning.

“Combining Transas with Wärtsilä will bring the Smart Marine Ecosystem many steps forward,” said Roger Holm, president, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions. “We can now connect Wärtsilä’s product portfolio – the biggest in the marine industry – with ship traffic control, simulators, navigation solutions and fleet operation systems from Transas. The combined package will further improve the way a vessel can sail in the most cost efficient and environmental friendly way.”

Frank Coles, CEO of Transas, added: “The Transas team has significant competences in technology, along with a globally recognised leadership position in navigation, simulation and traffic control systems. Adding these to the extensive Wärtsilä portfolio of services and products provides an unparalleled opportunity for a new ecosystem for maritime operations.”

Wärtsilä unveiled its ‘Smart Marine Ecosystem’ strategy late last year. The company envisions vessels and ports connected by smart systems in order to maximise use of resources and operational efficiency, minimise environmental impact and achieve highest levels of safety and security.

Frank Coles recently revealed his philosophy on the role of technology in the maritime industry as part of The Motorship’s Leader Briefing series.