Kongsberg Maritime charts course as independent company

With shareholder approval now secured, Kongsberg Maritime is preparing to step out on its own. At an extraordinary general meeting on Thursday afternoon, shareholders of Kongsberg Gruppen ASA formally approved the separation of the maritime business, clearing the way for a listing on the Oslo Stock Exchange on 23 April.

Following the decision, Kongsberg Gruppen will continue as two separate companies. Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace and Kongsberg Discovery will together form the new Kongsberg, while Kongsberg Maritime will become an independent company outside the group.

Kongsberg Maritime is a leading technology partner to the global maritime industry, supplying systems and solutions for offshore vessels, cruise ships, fishing vessels and complex naval platforms. The company works closely with customers and research partners to address operational and technological challenges across maritime segments and operates globally with more than 8,000 employees in 35 countries.

According to incoming CEO Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, the shareholder vote represents an important moment in a longer process. She describes the approval as one of several milestones and says the organization is ready for the next phase. With its people, expertise and innovation capacity in place, Kongsberg Maritime sees itself as well positioned to take part in value creation in a global maritime sector facing growing technological demands.

Since the proposed separation was made public on 30 October 2025, the company has focused on strengthening the organization in preparation for independence. A new management team has been appointed, the divisional structure has been adjusted and key functions have been reinforced to support operations as a standalone company.

Preparing for life as an independent company

Looking ahead, Edvardsen Haugan says the company will continue to build on its strong market position while pursuing new business opportunities, including solutions that serve both civil and defence applications. She also confirms that the company headquarters will remain in Norway.

At the same time, Kongsberg Maritime intends to maintain a strong international focus. While firmly rooted in the Norwegian maritime cluster, which Edvardsen Haugan describes as strategically important for the country, more than 80 percent of the company revenues are generated in global markets. Continued international growth and close proximity to customers therefore remain central to the strategy.

From an ownership perspective, the Norwegian state has stated its intention to retain a majority share of 50.004 percent in both the new Kongsberg and Kongsberg Maritime. Edvardsen Haugan welcomes this commitment and says she looks forward to an active and constructive dialogue with the government as the company enters its next phase.

A new board of directors has also been appointed for Kongsberg Maritime. The board will be chaired by Per Arthur Sørlie, with Margareth Øvrum, Ivar Hansson Myklebust, Kristin Holth and Anders Bade serving as members. Together, they will begin the work of guiding the company as an independent listed entity. Sørlie currently serves as deputy chair of the board of Kongsberg Gruppen and brings extensive knowledge of the maritime business through that role.