Åkerblå takes controlling stake in Ocean Ecology

Norwegian marine consultancy group Åkerblå Group has taken a 51% equity stake in Ocean Ecology, a marine and environmental survey specialist based in Gloucester, in the south west of England.
The move is part of a concerted effort to establish a presence in the UK’s aquaculture services market, Åkerblå said.
Roger Sørensen, CEO of Åkerblå Group, said: ““We are the leading player within fish health, environment and technical operations to the Norwegian aquaculture sector. In recent years, several clients have asked us for support in the UK. Through our investment in Ocean Ecology, we obtain the necessary local competence, equipment and laboratory services that enable us to provide the best and most cost-efficient support to the aquaculture industry in UK and Ireland too.”
The founders and current owners of Ocean Ecology will retain the remaining 49 percent and continue to develop the company together with Åkerblå Group. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.
Ocean Ecology was established in 2013 and focuses on the impacts of human activities on marine ecological communities. Its specialist services include survey design, marine monitoring and habitat mapping. The company has fully equipped laboratory facilities and headquarters located on the banks of the Severn Estuary in Gloucestershire and has recently opened a Scottish office in Oban.
Ross Griffin, Technical Director of Ocean Ecology said that the deal would allow Ocean Ecology to offer a much broader range of complementary services, expertise and experience to its customer base both in the UK and internationally.
He added: “Teaming up with Åkerblå Group provides us with access to world-class technical expertise in fish health and environmental services, which is a very exciting prospect for the team. Partnering with Åkerblå Group will enable us to fast-track our joint offering to the aquaculture sector whilst broadening our service offering to our key offshore renewable clients.”