ClassNK has snapped up Canadian offshore and workboat software provider Helm Operations for an undisclosed sum.

Helm Operations, based in Victoria, has provided manning, maintenance, dispatch and Health, Safety, Quality and the Environment (HSQE) software to more than 1,000 offshore vessels around the world, including clients such as Svitzer, Seaspan, Blessey Marine and Florida Marine Transporters.

“We’re convinced that linking maritime companies and classification on a single, easy to use platform will be a huge contribution to the maritime industry,” said Yasushi Nakamura (top), executive vp of ClassNK. “Through this acquisition we can provide Helm with the resources and reach to even further develop their industry-leading software systems for all aspects of ship operations, and in turn make them available for everyone in the industry around the globe.”

The acquisition follows the $73m takeover of software firm Napa in March: “Commencing with the acquisition of NAPA earlier this year, and the acquisition of Helm now, we are bringing together a team of leading software companies from around the world in order to help achieve that goal,” said Nakamura.

“This is a very exciting day for Helm,” said Ron deBruyne, ceo. “Since our founding, Helm has always been about providing great software to the maritime industry.

"We’ve been able leverage the incredibly talented IT community here in Victoria, which has also drawn the attention of global leaders like Amazon, and Ebay among others, and combine that with the know-how and experience from the workboat industry to create intuitive, user-friendly systems that contribute directly to improving the safety, efficiency, and profitability of workboat companies.

“By working together [with ClassNK] we’re convinced we can create a world-class software platform for the global maritime industry.”