Schottel and Ulstein set up joint venture

Marine propulsion specialist, Schottel, and ship designer and builder, Ulstein, are setting up a joint venture to combine their respective expertise and cooperate in the automation and digitalisation fields. Ulstein subsidiary, Ulstein Blue CTRL, will form the basis of the new collaboration, with the two privately owned companies each holding 50% of the shares.
The cooperation will be developed based on Ulstein’s existing X-CONNECT^® digital platform for marine automation, control and monitoring. The system is designed on the basis of ‘configure, plug and play’ and is suitable both for newbuilding projects and vessel upgrades.
Tore Ulstein, Ulstein Group deputy CEO, expanded on the new collaboration. “There are many similarities between our companies,” he said. “We are both privately owned. This implies the possibility of long-term strategic business concepts. We believe that we have products which are highly complementary. A closer integration between the development of the marine platform and the propulsion system will give far better operations of the vessel. This will lead to reduced fuel consumption, reduced emissions hence greener operations.”
Speaking for Schottel, Stefan Kaul, president Industrial Operations and CEO, said: “The Blue CTRL systems will not only enable us to offer our customers smarter and integrated controls for both newbuildings and existing vessels, but also to provide a solid system for the offering of hybrid and electric solutions. Partnerships are essential in the current market. With the independent set up of Blue CTRL, with a clear focus on the development of automation and digital services, we ensure that we continue to serve our customers as the innovative and global propulsion experts.”