UniSea has acquired German maritime software company Kaiko Systems.
The deal expands UniSea’s Fleet Management System (FMS) with AI-powered inspection and compliance tools. It also creates a larger maritime technology group serving more than 4,000 vessels worldwide.
UniSea currently provides HSEQ, maintenance, procurement and drydocking software for more than 3,000 vessels. Kaiko Systems supports over 1,000 vessels with tools for vessel inspections, SIRE 2.0 self-assessments, port state control preparation and compliance reporting.
The acquisition strengthens UniSea’s transition from an HSEQ software provider to a full fleet management platform.
“This acquisition strengthens our position, broadening the FMS suite while keeping the customer-driven, specialised approach that got us here,” said Kurt Roar Vilhelmsen, Founder and CEO of UniSea.
“Kaiko adds comprehensive frontline inspections to the group and is a natural next step in UniSea’s transition from HSEQ specialist to full-suite FMS provider.”
Kaiko Systems works with major ship managers, including Columbia Group and OSM Thome. Its software supports tanker, bulk carrier, container and mixed fleets.
The acquisition also adds advanced AI capabilities to UniSea’s portfolio.
Kaiko’s platform uses AI and computer vision technology to detect documents, verify images and identify corrosion. It also helps crews improve inspections, monitor vessel condition and reduce administrative work.
“Over the past five years, we have built a platform with unique capabilities that are unmatched by anyone else in this industry,” said Fabian Fussek, Co-Founder and CEO of Kaiko Systems.
“Joining UniSea is the right next step for the ambition we set out with: structured digital inspection data as the standard for the maritime industry.”
UniSea acquired 100% of Berlin-based Kaiko Systems. Fussek and Eddy del Valle Pino founded the company in 2020.
Swedish private equity firm Adelis Equity financed the transaction through a capital injection into the group.
Adelis became UniSea’s majority owner in 2022. Since then, it has supported product development, platform expansion and workforce growth.
Before the acquisition, Kaiko Systems raised €9 million in external funding.
The company secured a €6 million Series A funding round in March 2025. Hi Inov and Flashpoint led the investment, while Motion Ventures also participated.
Kaiko’s mobile-first platform provides end-to-end inspection and compliance management. The software covers SIRE 2.0 inspections, hull inspections, vessel health monitoring and standardized reporting.
Kaiko Systems will continue operating as a separate product with its existing team and roadmap.
Customers will not need to change their current workflows. However, UniSea plans to integrate both platforms to allow data to move seamlessly between systems.
“Each product is designed for a specific job and we want both to remain best in class at what they do,” said Dagfinn Rasmussen, COO of UniSea.
“What we are building together is the opportunity for customers to connect them where they unlock the most value.”
Rasmussen said the acquisition will accelerate UniSea’s AI strategy and help customers automate operations, improve efficiency and reduce costs.
UniSea currently offers 40 modules across its fleet management platform. The company expanded beyond HSEQ software into maintenance, procurement and drydocking management.
In 2023, UniSea acquired drydocking software specialist Maindeck. Since then, the platform has supported more than 1,800 projects.
Vilhelmsen said UniSea will continue exploring acquisitions of complementary maritime software providers to strengthen its connected platform offering.
“As we are now a much larger organization and with a broader product portfolio, we will continue to look for specialist additions where they strengthen the group for our customers,” he said.
