Japanese company Furuno has acquired Danish company EMRI, which specialises in autopilots, steering control, joystick dynamic positioning and manoeuvring systems.
The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
The company was founded in 1972 and is based in Herlev, which is located near Copenhagen.
The company’s autopilots have been in operation for two decades and are installed on more than 1,000 vessels around the world.
EMRI has focussed on steering control systems for many years. Steering gear remote control systems are expected to meet the requirements of safety and operations set by the owner.
Additionally, EMRI designs and manufactures Joystick Dynamic Positioning systems that have fuel-saving algorithms.
Furuno Electric Company Marine Electronic Products Division senior MD and divisional general manager Muneyuki Koike said: “We are very pleased to welcome EMRI and our new colleagues to Furuno’s organisation.
“The acquisition of EMRI complements our existing and growing presence in the marine market and reinforces our strategy to enhance safety and efficiency at sea with our core competencies of sensing, processing, communication, integration, and now, with action control systems.
“I am excited that EMRI’s technology for manoeuvring of larger and specialised vessels will open new opportunities for our innovative capabilities.”
EMRI MD and owner Claus Nørtoft Thomsen said: “The acquisition marks a milestone in the history of EMRI’s technology and will accelerate growth opportunities in existing and new technologies together with Furuno, a reputable leader in ship navigation, fish finding and communication systems.
“I am very pleased to communicate that the EMRI team is enthusiastic to join forces with Furuno, with whom EMRI has been collaborating for several years, supplying sophisticated autopilots and steering system.”
In 2018, Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) signed an agreement with Furuno Electric to jointly develop a voyage information display system, using augmented reality (AR) technology to support ships during journeys.
