Arendal -- Investment in new technology will accelerate digitalisation in the maritime industry, opening up new opportunities in sustainable operations and secure connectivity at sea.

Telenor Maritime, a subsidiary of Telenor Group, has reached an agreement to acquire 100 percent of the shares in KNL Networks, a Finnish technology company. KNL Networks has developed a unique technology, providing data access through a secure, global mesh network and critical on-board IoT communications at sea.

Sustainable innovation

Telenor Maritime is now one step closer to realising its vision of closing the digital divide between the onshore and offshore industries. This technology will provide the industry with an opportunity to better utilise digital solutions. Increased digitalisation at sea will empower partners to make more and better data-driven decisions.

– The digitalisation of the maritime industry is evolving rapidly, and this acquisition positions Telenor Maritime to capture growth opportunities in this shift. This will open up new business opportunities, contribute to a more sustainable operations and secure connectivity at sea, and create an even stronger centre of innovation in Arendal, says Chairman of Telenor Maritime and Head of Telenor Group Holdings, Ove Fredheim.

New wave of secure communication

Telenor Maritime is an established provider of secure connectivity to cruise, ferry, and offshore industries. Combining the competences of both KNL and Telenor Maritime will open up a new wave of secure digital connectivity at sea, including global access and access management of operation-critical data and cyber security.

– This positioning is unique in the maritime sector, making Telenor Maritime the only one stop shop for digital transformation of maritime industry. We’re excited about the opportunity to join forces with Telenor Maritime and to become a part of Telenor Group – a company that has over a century of history in the field of connectivity and a reputation of being a trusted partner, says Toni Lindén, CEO KNL Networks.