Voyage optimisation firm StormGeo, part of Alfa Laval, has acquired maritime software firm Portchain.
The acquisition, which closed on October 30, will link StormGeo’s voyage optimisation platform with Portchain’s real-time port call data, helping operators adjust vessel speed and arrival times based on berth availability.
"The acquisition adds port call coordination to StormGeo’s Voyage Intelligence, creating the foundation for a new approach to Just-in-Time voyage optimization at scale," the firm said.
Portchain connects shipping lines with more than 200 terminals, representing over 40% of global container terminal capacity.
Its software allows carriers and terminals to coordinate vessel schedules, berth availability and resources such as cranes and workforce.
The combined offering aims to help vessels arrive closer to when terminals are ready to receive them, reducing waiting time, fuel consumption and emissions.
“Maritime decarbonization calls for more than optimizing individual parts of an operation. It requires making efficiency more connected and actionable for our customers,” Kim Hedegaard Sørensen, Business Unit President at StormGeo, said.
“Joining StormGeo gives us the opportunity to bring voyage optimization and port call coordination closer together, helping customers get more value from the decisions they already make,” Niels Kristiansen, CEO of Portchain, said.
Portchain will operate independently under StormGeo for the next few years before being fully integrated into its portfolio.
Existing customers will continue to receive their current services.
