ABB to Acquire Marine Automation Specialist Høglund

ABB expands maritime automation capabilities with Norwegian acquisition

ABB has signed an agreement to acquire Høglund, a marine automation specialist based in Norway, as part of a strategic push to broaden its automation technology offerings for the maritime industry.

The transaction, announced June 26, will bring Høglund's capabilities under ABB's Marine & Ports division. The company expects to complete the acquisition in the third quarter of 2026, subject to standard regulatory approvals. ABB did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.

Headquartered in Tønsberg, Norway, Høglund employs more than 80 people across its Norwegian operations. The acquisition will add the company's specialized marine automation expertise to ABB's existing portfolio of maritime technologies.

Why it matters

This acquisition signals ABB's continued investment in maritime automation at a time when shipping companies face mounting pressure to improve operational efficiency and meet stricter environmental regulations. By absorbing a specialized Norwegian player, ABB gains both technical capabilities and regional expertise in a market where automation is becoming critical to vessel operations. The extended timeline to close—roughly two years from announcement—suggests either complex regulatory considerations or structured integration planning for the Marine & Ports division.

Strategic fit for Marine & Ports division

The integration of Høglund into ABB's Marine & Ports division represents a targeted expansion of the company's maritime automation capabilities. ABB's existing marine business provides propulsion, power distribution, and digital systems for vessels, and Høglund's automation technologies will complement these offerings.

The lengthy timeline to closing, stretching into mid-2026, indicates the companies anticipate a thorough regulatory review process or are planning a phased integration approach. This extended period is notably longer than typical acquisition closings in the industrial automation sector.

Norway's position as a maritime technology hub makes Høglund a strategic asset. The country hosts numerous specialized marine equipment manufacturers and maintains strong connections to the global shipping industry, particularly in offshore and specialized vessel segments.

Details about Høglund's specific product lines, annual revenue, or customer base were not included in the announcement. The company's workforce of more than 80 employees suggests a mid-sized operation focused on specialized automation solutions rather than mass-market products.

WorkBoat first reported the details of this acquisition announcement.