Fish farming sensor company Seaqloud makes third acquisition
Purchase of Sematek 'is a solid technological match'
Seaqloud, which delivers software and sensor technology to the seafood industry, has acquired fellow Norwegian company Sematek, strengthening its offering within sensors for the fish farming and maritime industries.
The acquisition of Sematek – Senter for materialteknologi AS (Centre for Materials Technology AS) – is Seaqloud’s third in two years. First was the software company Naviaq, followed by Meox’s “Guardian” environmental monitoring products and software.
Seaqloud, owned by seafood investor Bluefront Equity, offers sensors and software that provide an overview of the fish’s environmental conditions, both above and below the surface. Additionally, the company provides solutions that give an overview of equipment, operations and logistics.
Easier compliance
“The combination of Seaqloud’s sensor technology and software makes it easier to comply with requirements for on-site environmental monitoring,” said Frode Næss, who took on the role as managing director of Seaqloud earlier this year.
“By integrating Sematek’s sensor products in Seaqloud’s portfolio, we will be able to further improve fish farmers’ operational reliability through gaining a better understanding of their maintenance needs.”
Sematek's two main products are sensors for leak detection in floating structures such as feed barges and closed cages, as well as load cells that measure and record stresses on mooring components of floating installations. The sensors continuously monitor and store data, which contributes towards extended operational lifespan and reduces the risk of both structural failure and escapes.
Service and maintenance
In addition, Sematek supplies wave breakers and performs service and maintenance tasks on equipment delivered to cages, feed barges, and other floating structures made of steel, composite, and other materials.
“Integrating our sensor products into a dedicated software and sensor technology company like Seaqloud is a solid technological and industrial match that will enable us to offer even more comprehensive operational solutions for the aquaculture industry,” said Tore Birkeland, managing director at Sematek.
