Seaqloud, which delivers software and sensor technology to the seafood industry, has acquired Norwegian company Sematek and strengthens its offering within sensors for the fish farming and maritime industries.
The acquisition of Sematek – Senter for materialteknologi 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 offers sensors and software that provide an overview of the fish’s environmental conditions, both above and below the surface. Additionally, the company provides systems that give an overview of equipment, operations and logistics. These standardise, safeguard and make the fish farming industry’s work processes more efficient.
‘The combination of Seaqloud’s sensor technology and software makes it easier to comply with requirements for on-site environmental monitoring. 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,’ said Frode Næss, who took on the role as managing director of Seaqloud earlier this year.
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.
Sematek also supplies wave breakers and conducts 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 Sematek managing director Tore Birkeland.
Sematek is based in Bergen. The company will shortly move into new and larger premises that will be better suited as maintenance hub for equipment and components. Seaqloud is located in Trondheim, with further offices in Alta, Namsos and Tromsø. The company’s service centre is in Alta.
‘Seaqloud’s geographical stronghold has until now been from Trøndelag to Finnmark county. The acquisition of Sematek gives us a presence in Vestlandet country, which is also a very important fish farming region. The acquisition is geographically complementary, which is beneficial for both Sematek and Seaqloud,’Frode Næss added.
For all practical purposes, Sematek will be integrated with the Seaqloud team but will continue to operate as a separate limited company. All Sematek’s staff will remain with the company.
