ABB, a technology company in electrification and automation, has announced a strategic agreement to acquire the shipping business of DTN Europe BV and DTN Philippines Inc., known as DTN Shipping.
This move is set to position ABB as a key player in ship route optimization, enhancing its capabilities in maritime software. The acquisition encompasses vessel routing software, including analytics, reporting, and modelling applications within the DTN Shipping portfolio.
“We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to the ABB family. 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,” stated Juha Koskela, division president of ABB Marine & Ports.
While the financial details remain undisclosed, the transaction is anticipated to conclude in Q2 2024, pending customary closing conditions and works councils’ consultation procedures.
This acquisition is timely aligning with the growing significance of real-time weather routing analytics in optimizing voyage efficiency and safety for vessels. The addition of DTN Shipping’s business to ABB’s digital offering brings market-leading application programming interfaces (API) and expands ABB’s network to include over 5,000 connected vessels.
ABB and DTN Shipping will collaborate to ensure seamless integration of approximately 85 employees, primarily located in the Netherlands and the Philippines.
DTN Shipping’s current clientele will now benefit from ABB’s expertise in electric, automated, and digital marine solutions, presenting new opportunities for enhanced efficiency, fuel savings, and emission reduction.
In addition, ABB’s well-established ABB Ability™ digital solutions for the marine industry, catering to passenger, ice-going, container, and energy vessels, receive a significant boost through the recent acquisition of DTN Shipping. This strategic move underscores ABB’s dedication to investing in digital solutions that facilitate decarbonization and enhance resource efficiency.
Aligned with ABB’s overarching purpose of driving a more sustainable future through technology leadership, this acquisition positions the company at the forefront of the maritime industry’s digital transformation.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, and Utrecht, Netherlands, DTN operates globally, with support from a workforce of over 1,200 employees, reflecting its influence in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region.
