Svanehoj expands gas solutions portfolio with acquisition of German compressor specialist

Svanehoj is further expanding its expertise in gas solutions with the acquisition of Germany-based Köhler & Hörter GmbH (KOHO Kompressorsysteme), a family-owned company specializing in high-quality compressors for a wide range of industries, including shipbuilding.

Svanehoj has broadened its capabilities in gas handling and marine technology with the acquisition of Germany-based Köhler & Hörter GmbH (KOHO Kompressorsysteme), a family-owned manufacturer of high-quality reciprocating compressor systems. The transaction closed on Oct. 1, 2025.

The acquisition marks a strategic step for Denmark-based Svanehoj as it continues expanding beyond its core offerings of marine pumps, tank control systems and service solutions. With global demand for gas transportation — including LNG, LPG and emerging low-carbon fuels — continuing to rise, Svanehoj is positioning itself to offer integrated systems that cover the full gas-handling value chain.

“This is a logical expansion for Svanehoj in the gas tanker segment, where we have delivered cargo pump systems and integrated services to LPG- and LNG carriers for many years,” said Søren Kringelholt Nielsen, CEO of Svanehoj. “By acquiring KOHO, we can now include high-quality compressors and related spare parts in offerings to our customers. KOHO adds specialist know-how and an attractive product portfolio. When combined with Svanehoj’s and ITT’s strengths in supply chain and sales, we believe we can unlock new opportunities that will strengthen and expand the company in the future.”

Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Hagen, Germany, KOHO employs about 40 people and designs customized reciprocating compressors for hydrogen, hydrocarbons and other demanding gas applications. The company also produces gastight bulkhead shaft penetrations used in both industrial plants and shipbuilding.

KOHO’s compressors are known for their reliability and adaptability to specialized requirements across energy and marine sectors. Its portfolio includes systems designed for high-pressure and cryogenic applications — increasingly relevant as shipbuilders prepare for next-generation fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia.

Svanehoj and KOHO already share a history of collaboration on advanced vessel projects. Both companies have supplied equipment for the Northern Lights LCO₂ carriers in Norway and for Höegh Autoliners’ Aurora-class design, the first pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) to be classified as “ammonia-ready,” with the capability to operate on green ammonia in the future.

For KOHO, integration into Svanehoj represents an opportunity to scale production and innovation within a larger global organization. “We see this change of ownership as a great opportunity to take our company to the next level,” said Björn Hörter, managing director of KOHO Kompressorsysteme. “Our specialized compressor solutions will now be part of a broader portfolio that supports the future of gas. With Svanehoj, we can accelerate growth and innovation while ensuring that our employees remain an integral part of the journey ahead.”

The acquisition continues a year of growth for Svanehoj. Earlier in 2025, the company completed the purchase of European Pump Services B.V., now Svanehoj EPS, a Dutch firm focused on pump integration and maintenance for the industrial, offshore and maritime sectors across the Benelux region.

With the addition of KOHO, Svanehoj now employs about 550 people and maintains operations in Denmark, the UK, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Singapore, Korea, China, Japan, Dubai and the United States. The company said the expanded global footprint will enhance its ability to serve shipyards, operators and energy customers as new technologies reshape gas shipping and storage markets.