Kongsberg Maritime ASA to acquire propulsion specialist Steerprop
Kongsberg Maritime ASA has entered into an agreement to acquire Steerprop, a Finnish designer and manufacturer of azimuth propulsion systems specialising in high ice-class and Arctic vessels, strengthening its capabilities in the Arctic segment.
Steerprop has built a strong position in Arctic propulsion, supplying propulsion systems for icebreakers, polar research vessels, offshore support vessels and other demanding applications.
Based in Rauma, Finland, the company has an installed base of more than 400 vessels globally and a significant order backlog, with the majority linked to Arctic and ice-class projects.
It has developed the contra-rotating propulsion (CRP) technology ECO product line, where the whole propulsor is pressure lubricated to lower mechanical losses compared with the commonly used oil bath lubrication technology.
Another development is the Steerprop LM unit, which uses an integrated permanent magnet (PM) motor that offers much better efficiency compared to a traditional induction electric motor, whilst avoiding upper gear excitations in the ship hull and gaining more room in the ship.
Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, CEO of Kongsberg Maritime, said:
“For Kongsberg Maritime, the acquisition represents a strategic step in strengthening our position in the growing Arctic and ice-class vessel segment. The combination brings together Steerprop’s specialised Arctic propulsion expertise with Kongsberg Maritime’s global organisation, lifecycle services network, systems integration capabilities and scale.”
Kongsberg Maritime designs, integrates and supports maritime technology for shipowners, shipyards, operators and navies worldwide. Dealing with newbuilds to existing fleets, the company supplies mission‑critical technology and system integration and digital solutions to sectors including Naval and Coastguard, cargo, offshore oil and gas, alongside passenger vessels.
The company has offices worldwide, including EMEA, APAC and the Americas.
The acquisition gives Kongsberg Maritime access to a well-established Arctic propulsion portfolio and strengthens its capabilities in a segment where demand is being driven by fleet renewal programmes, polar research investments and increasing activity in Arctic regions.
Ville Rimpilä, Senior Vice President – Thruster Systems, Kongsberg Maritime, commented:
“Steerprop has developed strong technology, valuable customer relationships and a leading position in Arctic propulsion. By combining their expertise with Kongsberg Maritime’s global reach and integrated solutions portfolio, we believe we can create additional value for customers while strengthening our position in a strategically important market.”
According to the press release, for customers, Kongsberg Maritime expects the combination to provide access to a broader offering, stronger lifecycle support and enhanced systems integration capabilities across propulsion, energy, automation and other onboard systems.
Both companies will continue to operate independently until the transaction has been completed. Existing projects, deliveries and contractual commitments remain unchanged, and ensuring continuity for customers will be the highest priority throughout the process.
Following completion of the transaction, the intention is to fully integrate Steerprop into Kongsberg Maritime in a phased and structured manner. The integration will focus on safeguarding customer relationships, maintaining delivery performance and retaining critical Arctic propulsion competence while gradually adopting common systems, processes and operating models.
This acquisition reflects Kongsberg Maritime’s long-term commitment to investing in technologies and capabilities that help customers succeed in some of the world’s most challenging maritime environments.
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.