Erma First Acquires Maritime-Focused Tech Firm

Greece-based manufacturer of ballast water treatment systems Erma First has acquired a controlling interest in Metis Cyberspace Technology that was previously owned by Olympia Group.

Established in 2016, Metis is specialized in electronic engineering, IoT, cloud computing and artificial intelligence, offering a platform that enables shipping companies to acquire and analyze data to improve operational performance.

Specifically, the platform uses cloud-based virtual personal assistants that provide in-time information, diagnosis and prediction to company personnel through a conversational user interface focused on the requirements of shipping companies.

With technology playing an increasingly critical role in every aspect of the industry, both companies recognize that they need to accelerate the development of green digital solutions to ensure they remain competitive.

“We are extremely excited to be joining forces with Metis…Our vision for Metis is to allow its team to continue doing what it does so well and to strengthen the company’s ability to provide solutions for smarter, safer, greener and more efficient solutions for the maritime industry,” Konstantinos Stampedakis, Managing Director of Erma First, commented.

Stampedakis added that the addition of Metis is expected to further enhance Erma First’s after-sales capabilities.

“Together, we will produce new products and services, extending the coverage of the ship’s operation towards a more sustainable future,” Eleni Polychronopoulou, Executive Vice President of Environmental Protection Engineering SA, noted.

“Shipping is on the brink of a new era and, as exciting possibilities arise, we now have a stronger base to explore them together,” Mike Konstantinidis, CEO of Metis, pointed out.