Kongsberg Maritime to Acquire Steerprop for Arctic Propulsion | Mariner News

Kongsberg Maritime has entered into an agreement to acquire Steerprop, a Finnish designer and manufacturer of azimuth propulsion systems. The strategic move significantly strengthens Kongsberg Maritime’s foothold in the high ice-class and Arctic vessel segment, a niche market driven by ongoing fleet renewal programs and polar research investments.

Steerprop specializes in propulsion systems for demanding applications including icebreakers, polar research vessels, and offshore support vessels. The company boasts an installed base of over 400 vessels globally, with a substantial order backlog predominantly linked to Arctic and ice-class projects.

Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, CEO of Kongsberg Maritime, stated the acquisition represents a strategic step to fortify the company’s position in the growing Arctic and ice-class segments. The combination is expected to integrate Steerprop’s specialized Arctic propulsion expertise with Kongsberg Maritime’s global organization, extensive lifecycle services network, and system integration capabilities.

This consolidation offers the market a more comprehensive and integrated solution for Arctic vessel construction and operations. For operators, it could streamline procurement and maintenance of critical propulsion systems, potentially leading to greater efficiency and reliability in challenging polar environments. The immediate access to Steerprop’s established portfolio and robust order book positions Kongsberg Maritime as a dominant player in this specialized and technologically advanced sector of maritime propulsion.