Siemens Digital Industries Software has signed an agreement with Spain-based SENER, a leading multinational company in engineering and technology, to acquire its FORAN software business.
Siemens' acquisition of FORAN is due to close in Q4 CY21.
FORAN is CAD/CAE/CAM software for the design, construction and engineering of vessels and marine structures, and it will be added to Siemens' Xcelerator portfolio. This combo will offer a comprehensive and integrated portfolio of software and services that covers all aspects of the ship lifecycle, from concept design through production to operations and optimised service lifecycle management.
In addition, it will bring experience and comprehensive know-how across complex commercial marine projects, defence industry standards and regulatory compliance.
As there is an increasing focus on sustainable shipping off late, shipyards have to innovate faster and deliver greener ships complying with strict safety and environmental regulations. Moreover, since the resulting complexity in marine design and build reaches unprecedented levels, it is necessary to minimise the risks and inefficiencies in the current design and manufacturing process. Here the role of software is critical, as it can optimise this process, cut costs and increase productivity without compromising quality, the company said.
Tony Hemmelgarn, CEO and President, Siemens Digital Industries Software, said the acquisition of FORAN will enhance the company's marine digital twin, adding superior capabilities to its integrated ship design and engineering digital thread solution. 'By adding FORAN's extensive tools to the Xcelerator portfolio and leveraging the team's industry expertise, we will be able to offer commercial and naval shipbuilding customers better control of their ship design and manufacturing process as they transition to Shipyard 4.0,' he added.
Gabriel Alarcón, Managing Director, SENER Engineering, said FORAN technology provides a strong position for Siemens to better support customers across the marine industry. At the same time, Siemens' global reach and the integration of the FORAN team into Siemens helps guarantee current FORAN clients continuity and improvement to the services provided with a strategic vision for ongoing developments.