Maritime tech deal expected to transform global positioning industry

Swedish developer of vessel positioning technologies, Hexagon, is set to acquire Belgium-headquartered Septentrio and its Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based solutions.

Hexagon intends to combine GNSS vessel positioning with its own sensor fusion, anti-jamming and correction services to develop resilient and assured positioning solutions.

This move could accelerate the adoption of autonomous vessels and navigation technologies on ships, and enhance mission-critical applications such as dynamic positioning on offshore support vessels.

It would ensure greater accessibility to high-accuracy, high-performance positioning technology with low size, weight and power characteristics, especially used for accurate dynamic positioning for offshore support vessels and unmanned surface vessels.

“The combination of Hexagon and Septentrio will transform the positioning industry across existing and new markets,” said Hexagon interim president and chief executive Norbert Hanke. “It will set new standards for the accuracy, resilience and scalability of positioning technologies, necessary to support and accelerate the journey towards full autonomy.”

Under the Hexagon umbrella, Septentrio, which has around 150 employees, will continue to supply GNSS technology and products to its large base of industry customers.

Completion of the acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions, and is expected to be finalised in Q2 2025.