NAVTOR has acquired software development company Masterloop, provider of IoT, AI, and web solutions. This will enhance NAVTOR’s innovation and development team, already bolstered by the acquisition of Voyager Worldwide in December. NAVTOR, headquartered in Norway, will focus on improving data-driven efficiency, performance, and decarbonization for its customers by integrating Masterloop’s solutions into its digital ecosystem.
NAVTOR Founder and CEO Tor Svanes highlighted Masterloop’s industrial IoT capabilities and maritime understanding, exemplified by their Bluekey vessel efficiency application. Svanes stated that Masterloop’s expertise would contribute to NAVTOR’s goal of enhancing its portfolio with intelligent, data-based AI solutions aimed at simplifying maritime operations.
Masterloop, maker of proprietary IoT platform Bluekey and the smart bike-sharing application CityBike Cloud, has a history of collaboration with NAVTOR. Masterloop’s clients include Easee, Zaptec, Kolumbus, and Kverneland Group. Jan Helge Skailand, Masterloop’s Founder and CEO, was part of NAVTOR’s founding team before establishing Masterloop in 2013. Skailand expressed enthusiasm about rejoining NAVTOR, citing shared values and innovation culture.
Masterloop’s team of ten, based in Norway and Sri Lanka, will join NAVTOR’s global network of approximately 400 specialists. They will contribute to the Green AI for Sustainable Shipping (GASS) project, which aims to introduce digital twin and AI-based technology for ‘dynamic voyage optimization’ to reduce vessel emissions by up to 20%.
NAVTOR CTO Anders Holme emphasized the company’s focus on optimizing performance and energy efficiency to help customers comply with regulations, reduce fuel costs, and achieve decarbonization goals. He noted that Masterloop’s integration would enhance NAVTOR’s capacity to impact the maritime industry positively.
NAVTOR offers a range of integrated smart shipping solutions, including the NavStation planning platform, NavFleet performance software, and digital logbooks.
