Kongsberg Maritime - Experts & Thought Leaders

Kongsberg Discovery has reached an agreement to acquire Naxys Technologies AS. The Bergen-based company is a world pioneer in technology for underwater environmental monitoring, with a specialism in recognising the sound of oil and gas leaks. The oceans are crucial for solving global challenges related to climate, food and security. CEO Geir Håøy of KONGSBERG points out that Naxys fits well into the company's technology portfolio. Advanced sensor and underwater robotics The rationale was to strengthen the company's position and investment in advanced sensor "As a technology company and ocean space expert, we have developed world-pioneering solutions to map, monitor and understand the oceans, which actually cover 70 percent of the Earth's surface and remain largely unexplored. The acquisition of Naxys fits well into our technology portfolio and our growth ambitions as an ocean space expert," says Geir Håøy. Naxys Technologies will be part of Kongsberg Discovery, a business that was spun off from Kongsberg Maritime and established as a separate business area within Kongsberg Gruppen in 2023. The rationale was to strengthen the company's position and investment in advanced sensor and underwater robotics. Demand for sustainability and safety Geir Håøy states, "Kongsberg Discovery has delivered solid organic growth so far and this acquisition is the first step in the inorganic part of the growth strategy." He adds, "This move allows Kongsberg Discovery to strengthen its technology platform, equipping the business to meet the ever-increasing demand for both sustainability and safety." Environmental monitoring as a core competence Naxys provides environmental monitoring for the oil and gas industry, but is also well-positioned for growth Martin Wien Fjell, CEO of Kongsberg Discovery, points to the importance of the company's cutting-edge expertise in passive hydroacoustics as crucial to the transaction. Naxys provides environmental monitoring for the oil and gas industry, but is also well-positioned for growth in both the research and defence markets. "Naxys Technologies ensures that oil and gas companies can be quickly notified of any leaks. This is becoming increasingly important now that the demands for sustainable operations are increasing globally," says Martin Wien Fjell. Expanding in-house technology expertise Protecting marine life and monitoring critical infrastructure are important focus areas for Kongsberg Discovery. "We have developed several market-pioneering products in hydroacoustics since the first sonar was launched in the 1950s. With Naxys' technology expertise, we further strengthen this position, enabling us to deliver an even broader product portfolio to the market," said Martin Wien Fjell. World-pioneer in leak detection The acquisition agreement was signed on 20 December, with the news announced in Bergen Naxys Technologies was formed in 1999 and is now a world pioneer in passive acoustic leak detection. Its customers are mainly large oil and gas companies that use the technology to detect leaks, as well as monitor subsea rotating machinery, such as pumps and compressors. The acquisition agreement was signed on 20 December, with the news announced in Bergen on 7 January. Core passive hydroacoustics technology As the new Owner of Naxys Technologies AS, Kongsberg Discovery’s Martin Wien Fjell points to the company's strength in terms of expertise, experience and insight in an important sector for Kongsberg Discovery. Martin Wien Fjell says, "The team in Bergen has built a strong business with technology that is a perfect fit for Kongsberg Discovery. Environmental monitoring using passive hydroacoustics is central to Naxys and is in line with the importance of sustainability and safety for our business. I look forward to getting to know all the employees and starting our collaboration as colleagues." Accessing the world market Jens Abrahamsen is the general manager of Naxys Technologies and was one of the founder in 1999 Jens Abrahamsen is the General Manager of Naxys Technologies and was one of the founders of the company in 1999. He highlights the opportunity the acquisition will provide for international growth. "As part of KONGSBERG, we will now have an opportunity to grow further. In my opinion, there is only one technology company that has the strength and ambition that align with our way of thinking. It's Kongsberg Discovery," says Jens Abrahamsen. Maintaining operations in Bergen Naxys Technologies AS has 28 employees in Hegreneset in Bergen. The company expects to pass a turnover of NOK 100 million in 2024. The company has a production, research and development department, as well as sales and service employees. "This agreement is an important milestone in our history. I am convinced that Naxys will play an important role in our common future. It will also be nice to have an increased presence in Bergen," says Martin Wien Fjell, CEO of Kongsberg Discovery.

Kongsberg Maritime has secured a substantial contract to provide an integrated package of electrical, control, safety and propulsion systems for the Golar Mk2 Floating Liquified Natural Gas (FLNG) project. Valued at more than $25 million USD, this contract will see Kongsberg Maritime technology form a key part of the new onboard systems for a major rebuild project in which Golar’s LNG tanker Fuji LNG, will be lengthened by nearly 100 metres and converted to a FLNG vessel. The work is being carried out at the CIMC Raffles shipyard in Yantai, China, and Black & Veatch will supply the topside LNG process plant. Advancement in the natural gas industry FLNG installations eliminate the need for endless infrastructure like pipelines and onshore facilities FLNG technology represents a significant advancement in the liquefied natural gas industry, offering a floating liquefaction plant that is ideal for offshore and remote locations.  With a compact footprint and optimised capital expenditure, FLNG installations eliminate the need for permanent infrastructure such as pipelines and onshore facilities. The mobility and reusability of FLNG units allow for redeployment to other fields once gas reserves are depleted, enhancing their economic viability. Golar Mk2 FLNG features Kongsberg Maritime's equipment package for the Golar Mk2 FLNG features two UUC305 azimuth thrusters, electrical systems, and an integrated control and safety system (ICSS). Notably, the thrusters will be equipped with a Heading Control system, leveraging Kongsberg’s expertise in Dynamic Positioning (DP) without requiring full DP capabilities for the FLNG. The ICSS provided by Kongsberg Maritime is a comprehensive solution that ensures the safe and efficient operation of the FLNG unit. It integrates control of the process plant, energy management, power distribution, cargo handling, ballast control, and auxiliary systems. Golar LNG’s floating portfolio The safety systems within the ICSS include the ESD, F&G, and PSD, ensuring robust protection  The safety systems within the ICSS include the Emergency Shutdown System (ESD), Fire and Gas Detection System (F&G), and Process Shutdown System (PSD), ensuring robust protection and operational integrity. Morten Skjong, Golar LNG’s Project Manager for the MK II FLNG, said: “Kongsberg Maritime has been a trusted supplier to Golar LNG’s floating portfolio for decades and we are pleased to have them as a key provider for our next generation floating LNG production unit, the MK II FLNG." Global demand for LNG Skjong added: “As an FLNG operator that takes on 20+ year contracts, Golar is reliant on quality solutions not only for the project execution phase but products and services such as Kongsberg’s that will serve us reliably during the full term of the operations contract.” Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, President of Kongsberg Maritime, commented: "Golar is a long-standing player in the LNG market and a pioneer with their conversion concepts for the Fuji LNG tanker to FLNG. KM is proud to continue our support and cooperation on this innovative conversion project, to support the growing global demand for LNG." Reliable operation of an FLNG vessel Vegard Skår, Vice President – Sales, Offshore Production Units, added: "We have worked closely with Golar from the early design phase of this complex project, securing a large scope of supply for their Mk2 vessel. The systems to be delivered are all critical components in the safe and reliable operation of an FLNG vessel." "There has been excellent collaboration with CIMC Raffles, and Black & Veatch during the design phase, and we look forward continuing this progressive approach to ensure full integration of many systems during this complex conversion project.”

DNV has released a competence standard (ST) for methanol and a recommended practice (RP) for ammonia, to enable crew and shipowners to tackle the safety risks and challenges posed by the introduction of new alternative fuels and technologies through shipping’s decarbonisation. While new fuels and technologies are key to achieving maritime decarbonisation, their adoption necessitates robust safety and competence frameworks. DNV’s Insights platform The number of vessels typed with alternative-fuelled power is growing, with 27 ammonia vessels According to DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insights platform, the number of vessels ordered with alternative-fuelled capability is growing, with 27 ammonia and 322 methanol-fuelled vessels currently on the orderbooks.  To ensure safe operations as these vessels enter service, it is essential that the shipboard crew has the right knowledge and skills and adhere to updated processes and procedures. New fuels and technologies Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO DNV Maritime said: “Embracing new fuels and technologies is essential to achieving our decarbonisation goals, but these advancements introduce new risks, adding complexity to an already challenging operating environment." "To obtain a safe, timely, and impactful maritime transformation, we need to ensure safe operations by supporting both our seafarers and onshore personnel. Competence development is crucial for managing the transition safely and avoiding a safety gap that could put crew, assets, the environment, and our decarbonisation efforts at risk.” Shipboard crew on vessels The DNV-ST-0687 “Competence related to the use of methanol as fuel” published in October The DNV-ST-0687 “Competence related to the use of methanol as fuel” published in October, and the DNV-RP-0699 “Competence related to the use of ammonia as fuel,” published in December, apply to shipboard crew on vessels using methanol or ammonia as fuel. They clearly outline the expected competencies for using these fuels onboard, enabling the assessment and verification of an individual's knowledge and skills to ensure they can operate and maintain systems and equipment safely. Needs for the shipboard crew Kirsten Birgitte Strømsnes, Business Development Pioneer in DNV Maritime Advisory said: “Introducing methanol or ammonia as fuel onboard vessels will impact personnel ashore, the shipboard crew and the shipowner’s organisation. It is critical that the crew can recognise risks and operate systems safely and the organisation needs to accommodate for this through, i.e., safety management system and other organisational means." “DNV’s Methanol ST and Ammonia RP can provide the shipowner with an overview of competence needs for the shipboard crew, and assist in defining training needs, crew planning and input to manuals." Verification of learning programs Strømsnes added: "The purpose of these documents is to be used by shipowners for onboard familiarisation and competence management, by maritime academies and training institutions to develop curricula and courses and by third parties, as a reference document, for certification or verification of learning programs and competence assessments in examinations.” DNV collaborated with OSM Thome and Northern Marine when developing the ST and Amon Maritime, Azane Fuel solutions, Yara Clean Ammonia, Wärtsilä, Kongsberg Maritime and Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement/Ula Ship Management when developing the ammonia RP.