ABB to acquire DTN’s weather routing business to expand marine software portfolio

Swedish-Swiss technology conglomerate ABB has agreed to acquire the shipping business of weather and meteorological forecasting specialist DTN, which includes DTN Europe and DTN Philippines, in a move to expand the company’s offering in maritime software.

DTN’s shipping portfolio covers vessel weather routing software, analytics, reporting, shore-based support and modelling applications. ABB did not disclose the financial terms of the acquisition. 

DTN shipping capabilities will complement ABB’s existing portfolio of digital solutions, resulting in over 5,000 connected vessels, helping ABB establish itself as one of the market leaders in ship route optimisation, says a company release.

Real-time weather routing analytics play an important role in optimising voyage efficiency, fuel consumption and safety of vessels, which in turn will help reduce vessel emissions, supporting maritime decarbonisation.

ABB said the acquisition of DTN Shipping will help ensure continuous customer service through seamless integration of approximately 85 employees, most of whom are located in the Netherlands and the Philippines.

“We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to the ABB family. With DTN Shipping’s unique weather routing solutions, combined with our existing digital portfolio, we can bring significant benefits for ship owners and operators worldwide,” said Juha Koskela, division president, ABB Marine and Ports. 

“Innovation is by nature collaborative,” said Marc Chesover, president and CEO of DTN. “This is an important moment in the advancement of digital solutions for the maritime industry. We are proud of what the shipping team has accomplished at DTN and are confident that the industry will see great value from the expanded ABB offerings that are possible when combined with the DTN Shipping portfolio.”

DTN is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Utrecht, Netherlands and operates or has investments in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region with an employee base of over 1,200 worldwide.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions as well as ABB’s own internal consultation procedures and is expected to close during the second quarter of 2024, it added.