This Maritime Giant Just Became Independent, and the Industry Will Never Be the Same

In a move that will reshape the global maritime technology landscape, Kongsberg Maritime has formally separated from Kongsberg Gruppen, becoming an independent company ready to chart its own course. Shareholders gave their final approval at a general meeting on Thursday, clearing the path for what could be one of the most significant IPOs in the maritime sector this year. But what does this mean for the future of maritime technology, and why should the industry pay attention?

A New Chapter Begins

The separation represents the culmination of months of strategic planning and organizational restructuring. Kongsberg Gruppen ASA will continue as two distinct entities: Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Kongsberg Discovery will form the new KONGSBERG, while Kongsberg Maritime emerges as a standalone company with its own leadership, board, and vision for the future. The new company is set to debut on the Oslo Stock Exchange on April 23, marking a historic moment for the Norwegian maritime cluster.

Leadership Speaks Out

This was one of many milestones we will go through, and it was good to have this step confirmed, said Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, incoming CEO of the new company. At Kongsberg Maritime, we are ready to take the next step and stand on our own feet. We are uniquely positioned to take part in the upcoming value creation in the global maritime sector. We have the people, the knowledge, and the innovation power needed to solve the technological challenges the maritime sector will face in the coming years.

Preparing for Independence

Since the split was announced on October 30, 2025, Kongsberg Maritime has been working tirelessly to strengthen its organization for life as an independent company. A new management team is now in place, the divisional structure has been modernized, and critical functions have been reinforced to ensure smooth operations going forward. The company has also been actively building relationships with new partners and customers who will be key to its success as a standalone entity.

Growing the Global Footprint

Going forward, we will continue to build on our already leading position and seize new business opportunities, including in the growing market for solutions with both civil and defence applications, Edvardsen Haugan added. The company’s headquarters will remain firmly in Norway, maintaining its deep connection to the Norwegian maritime cluster that has made it a global leader. At the same time, Kongsberg Maritime will continue expanding its international footprint, following its customers wherever they operate since over 80% of its revenues come from the global market.

Strong Foundation for the Future

The Norwegian state has confirmed its intention to maintain its majority share of 50.004% of the shares in both the new KONGSBERG and Kongsberg Maritime, providing stability during the transition. The new board of directors for Kongsberg Maritime includes Chair Per Arthur Sørlie and experienced members Margareth Øvrum, Ivar Hansson Myklebust, Kristin Holth, and Anders Bade. This seasoned group brings decades of maritime and industrial experience to guide the company through its next chapter as an independent publicly traded entity.