Kongsberg Discovery strengthens position with Naxys acquisition

Kongsberg Discovery has finalized an agreement to acquire Naxys Technologies, a leading company based in Bergen, Norway, specializing in underwater environmental monitoring. Known for its expertise in passive acoustic leak detection, Naxys focuses on identifying the sounds of oil and gas leaks – a critical technology in today’s push for sustainability. The acquisition aligns with Kongsberg’s ambition to expand its technology portfolio and maintain its role as a leader in ocean space innovation.

Kongsberg CEO Geir Håøy emphasized how the acquisition complements the company’s existing capabilities and goals: “As a technology company and ocean space expert, we have developed world-leading solutions to map, monitor and understand the oceans, which cover 70% of the Earth’s surface and remain largely unexplored. The acquisition of Naxys fits well into our technology portfolio and our growth ambitions as an ocean space expert.”

Since its establishment in 2023 as a standalone business within Kongsberg Gruppen, Kongsberg Discovery has focused on advanced sensor systems and underwater robotics. This acquisition represents the company’s first step in an inorganic growth strategy. “Kongsberg Discovery has delivered solid organic growth so far, and this move allows us to strengthen our technology platform and meet the increasing demand for both sustainability and safety,” Håøy added.

Environmental monitoring at the core

Naxys Technologies has built a strong reputation in its expertise in passive hydroacoustics, a capability critical to its work in the oil and gas sector. According to Martin Wien Fjell, CEO of Kongsberg Discovery, this expertise will play a central role in driving the company’s future success: “Naxys Technologies ensures that oil and gas companies can be quickly notified of any leaks; a service that is becoming increasingly essential as global demands for sustainable operations intensify.”

In addition to supporting the oil and gas industry, Naxys is poised to expand into the research and defence markets, further diversifying its reach. Fjell highlighted how the integration of Naxys’ technology will bolster Kongsberg Discovery’s already robust hydroacoustic product line.

Expanding expertise and market reach

Naxys Technologies, founded in 1999, has become a global leader in passive acoustic leak detection. Its customers, primarily large oil and gas companies, rely on its technology to monitor subsea rotating machinery such as pumps and compressors. The acquisition, announced on 7 January, is expected to help Kongsberg Discovery deliver an even broader portfolio of products and solutions. “With Naxys’ technology expertise, we are strengthening our position as a leader in hydroacoustics, a field we have pioneered since the 1950s,” Fjell said.

Fjell expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the Naxys team, recognizing their decades of experience and technological innovation. “The team in Bergen has built a strong business with technology that aligns perfectly with Kongsberg Discovery’s focus on sustainability and safety. I look forward to working closely with them as colleagues,” he stated.

Positioning for global growth

Jens Abrahamsen, general manager and co-founder of Naxys Technologies, views the acquisition as a turning point for the company. He sees significant potential for international expansion under Kongsberg’s ownership. “As part of Kongsberg, we now have an opportunity to grow further. In my opinion, there is only one technology company that matches our ambition and way of thinking: Kongsberg Discovery,” Abrahamsen remarked.

Naxys Technologies, which employs 28 people in Bergen, expects to surpass a turnover of NOK 100 million in 2024. The company’s facilities include production, research, development, sales and service teams. Fjell emphasized the importance of maintaining Naxys’ local operations while leveraging its expertise for global opportunities. “This agreement marks an important milestone in our shared journey, and I am confident that Naxys will play a key role in shaping our future. It’s also great to enhance our presence in Bergen,” he concluded.