Sources : https://www.hefringmarine.com/
Across the maritime industry, vessel operators face ongoing challenges that impact both performance and profitability. Crew safety risks, especially from wave slamming and whole-body vibration (WBV) are a serious concern, particularly in high-speed and small craft operations. Fuel inefficiency and rising emissions increase operational costs and environmental impact, while unpredictable maintenance, regulatory compliance pressure, and limited visibility into fleet behavior hinder effective decision-making. These challenges are compounded by variable sea conditions, inconsistent operator performance, and the growing need to meet insurance and safety standards.
To address these issues, Hefring Marine, a Reykjavík-based deep tech company founded in 2018, has developed the Intelligent Marine Assistance System (IMAS) a real-time decision support platform powered by AI, edge computing, and advanced sensor technology. IMAS enhances vessel operations by providing real-time guidance, reducing fuel use and emissions, and improving safety and comfort at sea. Designed for commercial, defence, unmanned, and leisure vessels, IMAS bridges the gap between onboard decision-making and fleet-wide optimization helping operators run safer, smarter, and more sustainable maritime operations.
The founders and early team built Hefring on a foundation of expertise in machine learning, IoT, engineering (mechanical, electrical), condition and vibration monitoring, as well as software and business development. They envisioned a future fleet that’s not only safer and more efficient but also capable of autonomous, data driven decisions.
The founders of Hefring Marine are Karl Birgir Björnsson, Björn Jónsson, and Dr. Magnús Þór Jónsson. Together, they combined expertise in business development, operations, and advanced engineering to address critical safety and efficiency challenges in the maritime sector. Karl Birgir Björnsson, now serving as CEO, brought experience from his background in corporate development and the boatbuilding industry. Björn Jónsson, currently COO and Chairman, contributed strong operational leadership and industry insight. Meanwhile, Dr. Magnús Þór Jónsson, a PhD holder and the company’s CTO, provided deep technical knowledge in vibration analysis, sensors, and machine learning. Their shared vision to enhance vessel performance, reduce risks, and promote sustainability at sea led to the founding of Hefring Marine in Reykjavík in 2018.
IMAS (Intelligent Marine Assistance System) is Hefring’s core offering:
Sources : https://www.hefringmarine.com/solution
- Onboard module (“IMAS Helm”): An AI companion that provides realtime guidance on speed, heading, and motion to minimize collisions, wave slamming, and whole body vibrations, while conserving fuel.
Sources : https://www.hefringmarine.com/solution
- Onshore/cloud module (“IMAS Console” & App): A fleet management and analytics platform accessible via desktop or mobile giving operators and managers comprehensive insights into vessel performance, trip details, safety risks, and maintenance needs.
- Hardware: The IMAS system includes a Control Unit (robust, IP67 rated, integrates NMEA2000 data, connects via Ethernet or cellular) and a Sensor Unit (high performance IMU with accelerometer, gyros, magnetometer, plus proprietary filtering).
Benefits & Outcomes:
- Up to 20% savings in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions
- Up to 87% reduction in wave slamming
- Around 20% savings on insurance premiums
IMAS also addresses the risks of Whole Body Vibration (WBV), particularly in high speed and small vessel operations (e.g., pilot boats, crew transfer vessels). The system monitors, warns, and helps mitigate WBV exposure by detecting motion thresholds, providing real time alerts, benchmark reports, and operator behaviour insights all aligning with EU safety standards like the Vibration Directive and ISO 2631-1.
In May 2024, Hefring Marine successfully closed a €2.2 million seed funding round, exceeding its original €2.0 million target. The round attracted investment from several European-based venture capital firms with a strong focus on deep-tech and security-oriented startups, including MD One (Europe’s first national security VC firm), Faber Ventures, Innoport VC, Two Ravens, Riverstone Ventures, Idlewild, and Sukna.
Case Study
After a competitive two-year selection process, the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue (Redningsselskapet) the country’s largest voluntary maritime rescue organization has chosen to deploy IMAS across its entire fleet. The collaboration, which began with adoption of the IMAS prototype in 2020, currently covers eight vessels. The fleet-wide rollout is scheduled for 2025–2026, equipping all remaining vessels with IMAS technology
Gorm Hillgaar, Maritime Director at Redningsselskapet, emphasized their strategic goals:
“We are excited to reach this milestone with Hefring Marine… positive that the IMAS system will play an important role to meet our strategic goals of optimising fleet utilisation and reducing the carbon footprint of our operations.”
Karl Birgir Björnsson, CEO of Hefring Marine, noted:
“This decision reinforces our dedication to empowering Redningsselskapet in their lifesaving mission at sea… thrilled to see it play a pivotal role in such vital operations.”
This deployment enhances situational awareness, operational efficiency, and safety in maritime rescue across Norway’s challenging coastline setting a benchmark for fleet-wide technology integration in search and rescue
References
Hefring Marine. (2025). Official Website. https://www.hefringmarine.com
Hefring Marine. (2025). Our Team. https://www.hefringmarine.com/team
Hefring Marine. (2025). Our Solution. https://www.hefringmarine.com/solution
MD One. (2024, May 30). Portfolio Company Hefring Marine closes €2.2m Seed Round. https://www.md-one.com/news/portfolio-company-hefring-marine-closes-eu2-2m-seed-round
MarineLink. (2023, December 21). Hefring Marine Introduces IMAS, a Solution for Safer, Smarter and More Sustainable Vessel Operations. https://www.marinelink.com/news/hefring-marine-introduces-imas-a-solution-525942
Ocean Science Technology. (2024, July). Hefring Marine discusses smart technology’s effect on marine energy efficiency. https://www.oceansciencetechnology.com/feature/hefring-marine-discusses-smart-technologys-effect-on-marine-energy-efficiency
The Hub. (2023). Hefring Marine Company Profile. https://thehub.io/startups/hefring-marine
MarSec East. (2023). Karl Birgir Björnsson – Biography. https://marseceast.com/bjornsson
Contributor : Dyah Ayuning Tyas
Reviewer : Imam Buchari
Scorpa's Tech @ Sea 
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