Acquisition brings night vision to integrated ship bridges

NACOS Marine has acquired and integrated Groke Technology into its bridge systems to offer vision-assist technology within its other navigation products.

The European company, formerly Wärtsilä’s navigation division, has rebranded Turku, Finland, headquartered Groke under its own banner and will introduce NACOS Vision Assist for vessel bridges and wheelhouses.

Groke’s former managing director, Juha Rokka, will now serve as managing director of the new identity of the company, NACOS Marine Finland.

“NACOS Marine aims to become an advanced bridge, dynamic positioning and automation technology provider by introducing a broad portfolio of products,” said NACOS Marine chief executive, Thomas Heldarskard-Winnerskjold.

“We look forward to introducing NACOS Vision Assist to the global market later this year.”

NACOS Marine chief product and technology officer, John Weierud, said vision-assist systems use artificial intelligence, machine learning and a fusion of sensors and camera feeds to improve night vision and situational awareness.

“Integrating Groke into NACOS Marine will help us accelerate development and bring this technology to a much broader global market,” said Mr Weierud.