Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence has acquired Guidance Marine, a UK-based provider of advanced sensor technology for marine positioning and control systems. The purchase price was not disclosed. Guidance Marine specializes in laser and radar systems used for dynamic positioning and other vessel control applications, and it is known as the only supplier of "targetless" solutions for both technologies.
Guidance Marine’s systems help vessels navigate in poor visibility and complex offshore conditions, offering improved confidence, efficiency, and control. Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, a global player in industrial measurement and automation, will integrate these marine-focused sensors into its broader portfolio of positioning and navigation technologies. The acquisition adds a specialized maritime capability to Hexagon’s existing offerings, which serve sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and geospatial mapping.
The strategic rationale centers on expanding Hexagon’s reach into the marine market, where demand for precise positioning is growing due to increased offshore energy activity and stricter safety requirements. Guidance Marine’s targetless laser and radar technology complements Hexagon’s existing sensor platforms, potentially enabling more robust solutions for vessels operating in challenging environments. The deal also gives Hexagon a foothold in the dynamic positioning segment, a niche with high technical barriers to entry.
For Guidance Marine, joining Hexagon provides access to a larger global distribution network and research resources, which could accelerate product development and customer support. The combined entity is expected to offer integrated systems that pair Guidance Marine’s sensors with Hexagon’s data processing and automation tools, simplifying deployment for shipbuilders and fleet operators.
The acquisition is complete, and both companies will begin integrating operations immediately. The combined team will focus on delivering existing orders while exploring new applications for the technology in autonomous shipping and remote vessel monitoring.