RightShip acquires local Maltese software firm, Thynk’s Maritime Technology business

RightShip, one of the world’s most prominent digital maritime platforms, has announced the acquisition of Thynk Software’s Maritime Technology business.

Thynk’s Founder and CEO, Marlon Grech and around 30 of his team will join forces with global organisation RightShip when the acquisition completes over the next month. Grech will also become RightShip’s first Chief Technology Officer.

Speaking to The Malta Business Weekly, Grech explained, “This is a significant landmark for Thynk; however, one of more a natural progression as the two organisations have been working closely for years. It just felt like the right thing to do. We are all looking forward to the opportunities coming our way as part of the RightShip global team.”

RightShip CEO, Steen Lund added, “I agree entirely with Marlon’s sentiments. I am delighted we are in a position where we can announce the acquisition of Thynk Software’s maritime tech business and that Marlon and his team will join RightShip. This is a critical strategic development for RightShip as we gain our own in-house technology competence that will underpin our long-term growth objective of being an industry-leading ESG-focused digital maritime platform.

Both organisations clearly have the same vision and are passionate about implementing zero-harm practices in the maritime sector. Grech explained, “This is a subject we are both fully aligned about, and a topic we very much connect upon as we enter into this new acquisition”.

Founded in October 2013, Thynk defines itself as having a “passion for software, innovation and building products that improve users’ everyday lives”. Grech brings with him decades of experience from top IT firms overseas. Marlon was based in London, working on cutting-edge FinTech solutions for the world’s biggest banks and investment institutions before setting up Thynk locally.

RightShip is an ESG-focused digital maritime platform providing expertise in global safety, sustainability and social responsibility practices. With the mission to drive operational improvements in the worldwide shipping industry, more than 3,000 people use RightShip’s due diligence, environmental and inspections services to help them manage risk and improve overall maritime safety standards. Steen Brodsgaard Lund joined RightShip as CEO two years ago and has over 30 years of experience in the maritime industry. He spent 21 years with A.P Moller Maersk, responsible for the Maersk Line network in the Americas, Oceania, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

He was also the Executive Vice President and Head of Asia Pacific for Germanischer Lloyd. Following the creation of DNV GL in 2013, he returned to Singapore to lead the regional operation of the newly merged company until 2017. Lund subsequently headed Radio Holland’s activities in Asia and, since early 2019, served as CCO and CDO at Executive Ship Management. Lund is an ardent advocate for the digitalisation of the maritime industry.

The two entities were working together harmoniously prior to  the acquisition. RightShip launched its innovative Platform 18 months ago after close collaboration with Thynk. The market and customers have widely accepted the new platform, demonstrating a degree of dependability upon which RightShip will capitalise.

Lund concluded, “Over the past 20 years, RightShip has grown purely organically worldwide. This new acquisition provides RightShip with an exciting opportunity to solidify our foundation as a digital product builder. Having the ‘ready-made’ technology expertise that Thynk bring allows RightShip to secure increased value for our customers allowing us to grow faster than if we built this capability internally, from the ground up.”