Kongsberg Maritime has signed a contract to buy the Trondheim-based ship simulation and consultancy company, Ship Modelling & Simulation Centre AS (SMSC). The acquisition is expected to be completed January 2016.
“More sophisticated vessel operations have contributed to an increasing focus on training to enhance safety and efficiency,” said CEO of Kongsberg Maritime, Geir Håøy. “SMSC fits perfectly into our business and will complement our existing product and service portfolio well. In addition to supplying simulators, training and certification, the competence of SMSC also supports us to offer our shipyard and offshore customers new and innovative simulation services, ranging from ship modeling and engineering projects to pre-simulation and operational consulting.”
“At a time of strong focus on cost savings, it is important to look into the optimization of procedures and crew training for more competent and effective implementation of operations. With the acquisition of SMSC, we will have the ability to assist our customers to improve their margins," Håøy added.
“SMSC has a strong research community, which by becoming a part of Kongsberg Maritime’s international simulator enterprise, will have the opportunity to develop its potential further,” noted resigning chairman of SMSC, Kaare Gisvold.
For Kongsberg Maritime's existing simulator customers, the acquisition of SMSC will contribute to increasing capacity, for instance for the development of new and accurate models to use in simulation exercises.
“SMSC will be integrated as part of Kongsberg Maritime and continue its activities in Trondheim. We already have substantial operations in the city and close involvement with innovative technology environments there, including NTNU, Marintek and Ocean Space Centre,” Håøy said.