In a strategic move to expand its presence in the maritime software domain, today ABB announced the acquisition of the shipping arm of DTN Europe BV and DTN Philippines Inc. The deal positions ABB as a prominent player in ship route optimisation, enhancing its offering in vessel weather routing, analytics, reporting, and shore-based support.
The acquisition encompasses DTN Shipping’s comprehensive portfolio, covering vessel routing software, analytics, reporting, and modeling applications. In an ever-expanding market, the move is expected to solidify ABB’s position as one of the market leaders in ship route optimisation, with the combined digital solutions resulting in a notable network of over 5,000 connected vessels.
Real-time weather routing analytics are becoming increasingly vital in optimising voyage efficiency and safety, aligning with the broader industry goal of reducing fuel consumption. As well as supporting maritime decarbonisation and bringing vessels in line with new regulatory measures, ABB hopes to enhance its existing digital offering using DTN Shipping’s market-leading application programming interfaces (API).
“With DTN Shipping’s unique weather routing solutions, combined with our existing digital portfolio, we can bring significant benefits for ship owners and operators worldwide,” states Juha Koskela, division president, ABB Marine & Ports, who expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition. The integration of DTN Shipping’s approximately 85 employees, primarily based in the Netherlands and the Philippines, into ABB is expected to be seamless, ensuring continuity in customer service.
The acquisition will not only expand ABB’s digital capabilities but also provide current DTN Shipping customers with access to ABB’s expertise in electric, automated, and digital marine solutions. As a result, the collaboration will offer enhanced opportunities for efficiency gains, fuel savings, and emissions reduction for existing clients of the business.
Marc Chesover, president, and CEO of DTN, emphasises the collaborative nature of innovation, expressing confidence that the maritime industry will derive substantial value from the expanded ABB offerings resulting from the acquisition.
Boasting a combined workforce of approximately 20,000, ABB’s Process Automation is already a key player in deploying advanced technology and service expertise. ABB believes the DTN Shipping acquisition demonstrates its focus not only on technological leadership but also reshaping industries and improving sustainability.
While financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, the completion of the acquisition is set for Q2 2024.
