Maritime technology firm Kongsberg Maritime, a division of Norway's Kongsberg Gruppen, has agreed to acquire Steerprop, a Finnish marine propulsion specialist, in a move that will strengthen its position in Arctic and ice-class propulsion systems.

Steerprop designs and manufactures azimuth propulsion systems — steerable thruster units that provide both propulsion and manoeuvring without a conventional rudder — for icebreakers, polar research vessels, offshore support vessels and other demanding applications, the company said in an emailed statement on Monday. Its systems are installed on more than 400 vessels worldwide, with most of its order backlog linked to Arctic and ice-class projects.

The acquisition will combine Steerprop's specialised Arctic propulsion technology with Kongsberg Maritime's global organisation, lifecycle services network and wider marine technology portfolio. Kongsberg Maritime already supplies a broad range of marine equipment, including propulsion, automation and dynamic positioning systems, and its parent group is a long-established defence and technology contractor in Norway.

Both companies will operate independently until the transaction is completed, with existing projects, deliveries and contractual commitments unchanged. Following completion, Kongsberg Maritime plans to integrate Steerprop gradually while retaining key Arctic propulsion expertise and customer relationships.

The deal remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed in the statement.