Boat builder taken on board by ScaleAQ
Norwegian Boat builder Moen Marine AS has been bought by growing aquaculture supply company ScaleAQ, it was announced today.
“We are very pleased,” said ScaleAQ’s vice president for business development, Per Ivar Lund, in a press release. “We aim to offer a complete portfolio of products and services to fish farmers all over the world, and vessels are an important element.
“Moen Marin AS has for many years proven that they make vessels that fit the market demands well and they are also in the lead when it comes to electrical and hybrid solutions.”
‘World’s largest’
Moen Marin AS describes itself as the world’s largest supplier of aquaculture vessels. These include its NabCat range of catamarans, NabWork single-hull workboats and a combined tugboat / processing vessel. Its boats can also be delivered with electric and hybrid operation.
ScaleAQ was formed by the merger of Norwegian companies Steinsvik, Aqualine and Aqua Optima in August. Tasmanian software company PanLogica joined later in the same month.
“ScaleAQ already has offices in 11 countries. Our distribution network, and existing customers in all markets, will ensure that vessels from Moen Marin can reach a much larger customer base. We want to make everyday life easier for farmers,” said Lund.
“We are already a leader in feed barges, and it is with pride that we can now also offer high quality vessels to fish farmers and the service industry catering to the aquaculture sector.”
‘Better products’
Terje Andreassen, chief executive of Moen Marin AS, said: “Barges and boats have many similarities and we believe that we as a single team can offer even better products and a more complete range of services.”
The other operations of the Moen Marin Group, consisting of Moen Marin Service AS and Moen Ship Management AS, are not included in the transaction, but close cooperation is planned after completion.
“It is known that our owners have contemplated the sale of Moen Marin AS,” said Moen Marin Group chief executive Are Brekk. “The agreement gives the employees and products the opportunity they deserve in terms of future growth. The agreement with ScaleAQ allows for focus on international growth through an even wider product range.”
Moen Marin’s customers have included Scotland’s largest aquaculture service operator, Johnson Marine Ltd, which owns NabCat catamarans.
