Frydenbø Maritime Industries strengthens their position with strategic acquisition of Elmarin

Written by Frydenbø Group | Apr 30, 2025 10:37:28 AM

Chairman of the Board in Frydenbø Maritime Industries, Åsmund B. Heen with Elmarin entrepreneurs, Jan Ove Knudsen and Geir Gustad. Photo: Frydenbø

PRESS RELLEASE BERGEN APRIL 30th 2025 

Frydenbø Maritime Industries announces its acquisition of Elmarin, a leading provider of electric propulsion systems for the maritime sector. This strategic acquisition significantly advances Frydenbø’s growth strategy, enhancing its capability to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers. Following the acquisition, Elmarin will operate as a sister company alongside Frydenbø Forward and Frydenbø Yards and will be renamed Frydenbø Elmarin AS. 

 

-This acquisition provides us with valuable expertise, cutting-edge technology, and an expanded product range, says Per Jarle Røyrvik, CEO of Frydenbø Maritime Industries. -Together, we will strengthen our market presence and enhance our ability to respond effectively to evolving customer demands. 

Geographic Expansion and Enhanced Expertise

Established in 2015, Elmarin has expanded to become a key supplier within the Norwegian maritime industry, specializing in complete hybrid propulsion systems, maritime electronics, and automation solutions. The company holds significant expertise in diesel-electric and battery-hybrid solutions, particularly tailored for small and medium-sized vessels in fisheries and aquaculture. 

Over the past decade, founders Jan Ove Knudsen and Geir Gustad have impressively built Elmarin into a market leader, particularly in vessel electrification for the aquaculture industry, playing a pioneering role in the ongoing green transition within this sector. Aquaculture is an industry segment Frydenbø Forward has closely collaborated with for years, primarily supplying traditional diesel-based propulsion systems. With this acquisition, Frydenbø Maritime Industries will be able to provide both IMO-approved low-emission and electric propulsion solutions to the aquaculture industry and additional segments.  

Frydenbø is delighted that the founders will remain actively involved, both as co-owners and key employees, contributing significantly to the continued growth and development of the business. 

Enhanced value for Customers

-- We have observed significant shifts in the market, with increasing consolidation among customers and suppliers. To remain a secure and attractive workplace, we have long sought a strong and reliable partner. Joining Frydenbø Maritime Industries fulfils this objective perfectly, founders Jan Ove Knudsen and Geir Gustad state. -We share a mutual alignment of values, and our combined businesses complement each other effectively. Frydenbø’s established market position ensures that customers, employees, and partners will all benefit from this development.  

 

Elmarin founders Jan Ove Knudsen and Geir Gustad. Photo: Elmarin

 

Next steps 

The acquisition is subject to approval by the Norwegian Competition Authority. Until approval, the company will continue normal operations. The decision is expected in May 2025.  

 

An investment for the future

– We are delighted that Elmarin has selected Frydenbø as its strategic partner for future growth. Both parties have engaged in a thorough and constructive process, reinforcing our confidence in this strategic alignment, says Åsmund B. Heen, Chairman of Frydenbø Frydenbø Maritime Industries. 

– This investment clearly reflects Frydenbø’s strategic commitment to innovation, sustainability, and profitable growth. We see considerable potential in electric propulsion systems, and this acquisition distinctly positions us at the forefront of the maritime industry’s green transformation. Our ambition is to be a driving force for sustainable maritime solutions, concludes Heen.


Chairman of the Board in Frydenbø Maritime Industries, Åsmund B. Heen. Photo: Frydenbø / Trude Brun Wilhelmsen.

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About

Frydenbø Group is a family-owned company headquartered in Bergen. The group is a key player within the business areas of Automotive, Maritime Industry, and Real Estate. Together with its sister company, Frydenbø International, which manages the group’s international operations, including Frydenbø GmbH (co-owner of SCHOTTEL GmbH) and Frydenbø Marine (producer and distributor of Nordkapp and Sting leisure boats, as well as Frydenbø Milpro), the two groups generated NOK 5 billion in revenue in 2024. 
Core values: Enthusiastic, Honest, and Responsible. 
Our vision: “Creating value through world-class quality and service."

Frydenbø Maritime Industries is where the adventure started 109 years ago. The company is among Norway's leading suppliers of products and services to the marine/land-based industry. The head office is located at Hanøytangen outside Bergen.   

Elmarin is a total supplier of electrotechnical services in the maritime market. The company is centrally located on the coast of Norway, with head office in Kristiansund. Elmarin has a strong tradition of tailoring and adapting to customers' wishes and needs. The company is at the forefront of the development of new products and services and delivers complete installations of hybrid propulsion systems, ship electrical, automation and maritime electronics.