Sonardyne acquires maritime and marine science technology specialist Chelsea

Leading subsea technology developer Sonardyne International Ltd. has acquired maritime and marine science technology specialist Chelsea Technologies Group Ltd.

The acquisition is part of a long-term growth strategy for Sonardyne, to diversify into markets where it sees an opportunity to build on its core technology base and expertise in underwater acoustic and optical communications, navigation and autonomous monitoring systems.

In acquiring Chelsea (also known as CTG), Sonardyne will both strengthen its presence in the maritime, marine and ocean science sectors and create new opportunities in the water environmental, defence and process control markets. Chelsea will gain access to Sonardyne’s considerable research, production, testing, compliance and global distribution capabilities, allowing the company to access many more international territories.

Chelsea has a broad base in environmental sensing technology spanning markets in fresh and waste water, oceanography and a wide range of industrial applications. In addition to its optical engineering capability, it provides underwater acoustic products to both civilian and defence customers.

Fuelled to no small degree by its involvement in the rapidly developing, maritime/green shipping markets, where it has introduced a number of new products, Chelsea has seen considerable expansion over recent years. Its innovations include FastBallast and Sea Sentry, used for ship ballast water compliance testing and ship exhaust gas scrubber, wash water monitoring. These are helping maritime operators meet recently introduced stringent international regulations aimed at reducing the impact of global shipping operations on the environment.

Chelsea will remain an independent business, as part of the Sonardyne group of companies. Chelsea’s Brian Phillips will become Executive Chairman of the company, while Stephen Fasham will move from a senior management role at Sonardyne to become Managing Director at Chelsea. The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

“Chelsea, like Sonardyne, is a UK-based, privately-owned, technology driven company with a deep understanding in software and sensor development,” says Sonardyne Managing Director John Ramsden. “They have strong footholds in shipping, hydrographic and ocean science markets, which complement our capabilities. In addition, Chelsea operates in the water environmental, process control and defence markets. We believe there are exciting opportunities for us in these sectors, which will be part of our future growth.”

Brian Phillips, Executive Chairman, Chelsea, says, “We will remain independent while greatly benefiting from the added, engineering and financial support offered by this acquisition, in addition to accessing a broadened international reach. Of particular strategic importance is the option we have to use Sonardyne’s volume manufacturing capabilities to satisfy our burgeoning order book for maritime products.”