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GNS aims to build range of integrated navigation solutions

One of the fastest growing new businesses in the maritime services sector is Global Navigation Solutions (GNS). Having a built a worldwide distribution network in just 12 months through acquisitions GNS is now looking to build its own range of integrated navigation solutions over the coming year.

Marcus Hand, Editor

December 5, 2013

1 Min Read
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GNS was founded on 21 November last year with former UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) chief Mike Robinson at the helm and the financial backing of Phoenix Equity Partners, acquiring the businesses of Thomas Gunn. This acquisition was followed up with GNS buying up HanseNautic and DPM/Lillie & Gillie this year.

As the businesses are integrated together GNS made its first public appearance as a brand at Marintec China 2013 in Shanghai this week.

“We just saw an opportunity to something different and bring something fresh to shipping companies with the distribution of their navigational information,” Robinson ceo of GNS told Seatrade Global. “We decided the only way to gain a global presence was to make acquisitions on which to build our distribution business.”

Robinson said they have now achieved the “significant” market share they set to gain. “Today we are the largest distributor of Admiralty publications both electronic and paper as well as publications from hydrographic offices and the IMO.”

With the acquisitions GNS has made it now has 11 businesses, in eight countries,  employing some 300 people.

The next phase of the business expansion will be the development of integrated navigation solutions. At present GNS offers one solution, Voyager Planning Station.

“My focus over the next six to nine months is really building the solutions side of the business which we will do organically, we will almost certainly work in partnership with some companies and we may make acquisitions,” Robinson explained.

As to what products the company has planned he is playing his cards close to his chest saying: “We are looking at everything to do with navigating a vessel safely from A to B.”

About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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