Digital ship performance specialists to merge

E-navigation and ship efficiency specialists, Navtor and Voyager Worldwide, are to merge. As a single unit, Norway’s Navtor and Singapore-based Voyager Worldwide will provide services to a total of about 18,000 merchant ships. The deal is expected to close by December this year.

The latest move provides further evidence of consolidation amongst digital providers of ‘smart’ systems in shipping developed to optimise the voyages and performance of commercial vessels. Both companies provide maritime technology systems designed to improve safety, raise efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and optimise the operational performance of ships.

The combined business will have an extensive network of global offices and representatives serving shipping clients in all key markets. Navtor’s current integrated digital ecosystem offers systems that span e-navigation and performance monitoring and management, including its fleet management platform, NavFleet, and digital chart table, NavStation, designed to optimise passage planning. Voyager specialises in e-navigation, vessel management, and has an extensive portfolio of charts and publications.

Navtor’s founder and CEO, Tor Svanes, said that this was perhaps the biggest day in the company’s history. “Here are two different and highly complementary businesses, both of which have built trusted portfolios and relationships with shipowners, operators and managers worldwide,” he said. “As one company, we will strengthen our position as a global e-navigation and performance market leader and unlock powerful benefits for customers.”

Voyager Worldwide’s Kent Lee, CEO, spoke of the incredible opportunity. “Both companies will unite Norway and Singapore’s maritime innovation ecosystems to drive maritime innovation to new heights. This represents an enormous opportunity to go after areas where we see tremendous growth potential. Navtor’s current offerings will rapidly accelerate and complement the development of our next-gen platform and solutions, advancing new joint innovations within the maritime ecosystem. Navtor’s customers can also leverage Voyager’s extensive global presence and deep domain expertise in the maritime industry.”