Hamworthy has augmented its wider design capabilities with the acquisition of a majority interest in Baltic Design Centre Limited (BDC), an experienced ship design and consultancy business based in Gdynia, Poland. BDC will be renamed Hamworthy Baltic Design Centre (Hamworthy BDC).
Commenting on the acquisition, Joe Oatley, Chief Executive of Hamworthy, said: “I am delighted to announce the addition of BDC to the Group which will both increase the cost competitiveness of our gas systems business and augment the Group’s wider design capabilities. The acquisition gives BDC access to our international network of offices and customers. For our existing businesses it means we can obtain a better insight into our customers’ operational requirements and optimize our system designs.’
“BDC already provides sub-contracted design services to Hamworthy’s gas systems business in Norway” said Rafal Kroczka, managing director of BDC. “Our existing relationship and knowledge of Hamworthy’s business will assist with efficient integration of the companies. After introducing the procedures and quality systems already employed in other companies of the Group, Hamworthy BDC will be able to offer to its current and future customers enhanced design services and financial security for larger scale projects.”
Both businesses already have a strong focus on developing innovative products and services. Hamworthy BDC will continue to develop its scope of design for new vessels, particularly LNG/LEG/LPG and offshore vessels as well as conversion and overhauls. Furthermore, thanks to cooperation with other companies in the Group, Hamworthy BDC will extend the scope of its activities.