DNV is shaking up the maritime software space with a bold move: spinning off its maritime software division into a standalone entity, CFARER. This isn’t just a rebrand—it’s a strategic pivot, designed to inject speed and agility into a market where legacy systems are struggling to keep pace with digital transformation.
CFARER isn’t starting from scratch. It’s built on DNV’s existing maritime software portfolio, which already powers operations for over 5,000 ships and 13,000 ports. But the real twist? It’s absorbing Wilhelmsen Port Services’ digital arm, Diize, and integrating its port clearance solution, Always-on-Board. This merger brings together two key pieces of the maritime puzzle: fleet management and port operations. It’s a rare move in an industry where software often lives in silos. By combining these tools under one roof, CFARER is aiming to create a more seamless experience for ship operators and port authorities alike.
DNV remains the majority owner, ensuring continuity and governance, but the company’s new structure gives it the freedom to innovate without the red tape of a larger corporate parent. That’s a big deal in a sector where software development has often been slow to adapt. “The maritime software market is moving fast,” said Kenneth Vareide, CEO of Digital Solutions at DNV, who will chair CFARER’s board. “CFARER’s new brand and structure give it the independence to innovate quickly, while customers continue to benefit from the trust and reliability built over decades.”
Erik Staubo, CEO of CFARER, echoes this sentiment. “By operating independently, CFARER can focus entirely on building better software, responding faster to user needs, and partnering more openly across the industry,” he said. Staubo, who joined DNV Maritime Software earlier this year, brings a fresh perspective—he’s a former partner at Papillon Global, the maritime tech investor that’s also backing CFARER. His background suggests a focus on growth and scalability, which could be a game-changer for a sector that’s often been slow to embrace digital innovation.
CFARER’s portfolio includes Ship Manager, a tool for technical fleet management, and Hull Manager, which handles inspections and hull integrity. The addition of Wilhelmsen’s port clearance solutions will round out its offerings, creating a more comprehensive suite for ship operators. But the real differentiator might be its approach to deployment. By 2025, all of CFARER’s products will be available in both cloud and classic versions, giving crews the flexibility to choose what works best for their operations. That’s a nod to the reality of maritime tech adoption: not every ship is ready for a full cloud transition, and CFARER seems to understand that.
The company is also hinting at strong innovations in the pipeline for 2025, though details are still under wraps. Given the rapid pace of change in maritime tech—from AI-driven optimisation to blockchain-based documentation—this could be a critical advantage. The question is whether CFARER can move fast enough to stay ahead of the curve.
This move could reshape the maritime software landscape. For years, the sector has been dominated by a handful of players, many of which have struggled to adapt to the digital age. CFARER’s independence, combined with its deep industry expertise and new investment, could position it as a disruptor. But it’s not just about competition—it’s about collaboration. By operating independently, CFARER can partner more openly with other tech providers, shipowners, and port authorities, creating a more interconnected maritime ecosystem.
The maritime industry is at a crossroads. On one hand, there’s pressure to decarbonise, digitise, and optimise operations. On the other, there’s a legacy of slow adoption and fragmented systems. CFARER’s launch could be a turning point. If it succeeds, it could accelerate the industry’s digital transformation, making maritime operations more efficient, sustainable, and resilient. If it stumbles, it could become another cautionary tale of a good idea that didn’t move fast enough. Either way, it’s a development worth watching closely.