ABB to Acquire Marine Automation Firm Høglund for €30M
The deal brings proven vessel control systems built on ABB's own hardware to more than 600 ships worldwide.
ABB has signed an agreement to acquire Høglund AS, a Tønsberg, Norway-based marine automation specialist currently owned by Eitzen Group. The transaction, expected to close in the third quarter of 2026 pending regulatory approvals, will bring Høglund's global operations and more than 80 employees across Norway, Poland, Romania, and China under ABB's Marine & Ports division.
Høglund reported revenues close to €30 million in 2025. The company's flagship product, an Integrated Automation System (IAS), is installed on more than 600 vessels worldwide. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Built on ABB's own platform
Høglund's IAS runs on ABB's 800M and S800 control system hardware, creating a natural technical fit between the two companies. The modular and scalable system consolidates automation, monitoring, and control functions across modern vessels, integrating data from engines, power generators, and cargo systems to improve safety, energy efficiency, and operational performance.
"Høglund's system is based on ABB technology, and we look forward to joining ABB and continuing to advance marine automation for the benefit of customers," said Peter Morsbach, Høglund's CEO.
Why it matters
This acquisition gives ABB direct control over a proven automation platform already deployed across hundreds of vessels, eliminating a layer between its hardware and end customers. For shipowners and operators, the deal consolidates support and development under a single vendor with global service reach, potentially streamlining upgrades and maintenance for critical vessel control systems. The move also signals ABB's intent to expand its footprint across diverse vessel segments beyond its current marine portfolio.
Rune Braastad, president of ABB's Marine & Ports division, said the acquisition complements ABB's existing offerings with "proven and scalable solutions that support our growth ambitions." He emphasized that ABB's global reach and service capabilities will provide a foundation for continued success.
The deal covers the full scope of Høglund's operations, including its engineering teams and customer relationships built over years serving the marine industry. Høglund's expertise in vessel-specific automation requirements will join ABB's broader marine electrification and digitalization portfolio.
Details of the acquisition were first reported by Marine Log.
This is an original analysis by the Omega editorial team. Source reporting: Automation Watch.
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