S&P Global has agreed to acquire the automatic identification system (AIS) business of Orbcomm.
The New York-headquartered company said the purchase, on undisclosed terms, will see one of the leading providers of ship tracking services integrated within its Global Market Intelligence division.
Orbcomm’s AIS vessel tracking technology has for many years been utilised for supply chain visibility, maritime safety, surveillance and security, environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Whit McGraw, head of risk and valuations services at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said the acquisition underscores the company’s commitment to investing in differentiated data and solutions and strengthens its energy transition and maritime supply chain offering, allowing for investment in new product innovations.
The deal is expected to close in 2025.
S&P Global said it will also be taking an equity position in Orbcomm for an undisclosed sum, intending to develop a range of differentiated supply chain data and insight offerings, underscoring its commitment to further investing in this sector.
In 2023, S&P Global acquired UK-based technology firm Tradenet and its live vessel-tracking platform, Market Intelligence Network (MINT), to bolster its capability to track and analyse commodity shipments.
Other maritime data analytics players have also invested in the ship tracking market, with Kpler adding well-known brands MarineTraffic and FleetMon to its portfolio, as well as a soon-to-be-closed deal for Spire Maritime.
