GTT Acquires Marorka

French LNG containment specialist  Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) has acquired 100 percent of the share capital of the Icelandic smart shipping specialist Marorka.

Based in Iceland and specialized in Smart Shipping, Marorka designs maritime energy monitoring and optimization systems for vessels, allowing them to reduce their environmental footprint. The company’s systems have been installed on more than 600 vessels.

The shipping industry has started its environmental transition in January 2020, when a new IMO regulation entered into force, imposing significant reductions in sulfur oxide emissions. The IMO has furthermore announced a long-term “low-carbon” strategy, including ambitious decarbonisation targets.

In addition to using LNG as a marine fuel, achieving those objectives will necessarily require smart software technologies and operational data analysis.

With more than 17 years of experience, Marorka has developed a recognized technical platform and value added applications. Marorka is a good technical, commercial and geographical complement to Ascenz, GTT’s subsidiary based in Singapore, and represents a new milestone in the Group’s digital strategy.

“We are glad to become part of the GTT group; joining forces with Ascenz and GTT experts will boost our presence and our ability to satisfy customer needs.” Darri Gunnarsson, CEO of Marorka said. “We share the same vision on Smart Shipping and its increasing contribution to the improvement of shipping’s operational and environmental performance.”

Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of GTT, said: “We are happy to welcome Marorka in the Group. This acquisition is an important new step in GTT’s digital roadmap. Smart shipping is an essential component to allow the shipping industry to reduce its environmental footprint. LNG shipping players are also increasingly seeking digital solutions to optimize their operations and will benefit from an even more compelling service offering from GTT thanks to this acquisition."

Funded in cash, the transaction will have no significant impact on the Group’s financial structure. The previous owners will continue to manage the company and will notably contribute their know-how and experience to the Group’s digital strategy.