Svanehoj, a part of ITT, has broadened its scope in gas solutions by acquiring Köhler & Hörter GmbH (KOHO Kompressorsysteme), a German company renowned for its compressors that serve various industries such as shipbuilding. The acquisition was finalised on 1 October 2025, marking a significant step in Svanehoj’s strategic expansion in the gas sector.
In recent developments, Svanehoj has fortified its presence as a marine pump and tank control systems supplier. The purchase of KOHO Kompressorsysteme enhances Svanehoj's offerings as the global gas tanker market expands. Situated in Hagen, Germany, KOHO employs around 40 individuals and excels in creating tailored reciprocating compressor systems for hydrogen, hydrocarbons, and other challenging gas applications. Their product lineup includes gastight bulkhead shaft penetrations crucial for industrial setups and ships.
Enhancing Gas Segment Capabilities
Svanehoj CEO, Søren Kringelholt Nielsen, explained the strategic rationale behind the acquisition, stating, "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. By acquiring KOHO, we can now include high-quality compressors and related spare parts in offerings to our customers." The addition of KOHO enhances Svanehoj’s product portfolio and expertise, potentially unlocking new future opportunities. Integrating KOHO’s capabilities with Svanehoj’s and ITT’s supply chain and sales strengths is expected to further bolster the company’s market presence.
Collaborative Expertise in Shipbuilding
Svanehoj and KOHO Kompressorsysteme have previously collaborated on notable shipbuilding ventures, including Norway's Northern Lights LCO₂ carriers and Höegh Autoliners' Aurora class design—the first Pure Car & Truck Carrier (PCTC) designed to be "ammonia-ready," with the potential to use green ammonia as fuel.
Legacy and Future Outlook
Established in 1948 by Alfred Köhler and August Hörter, KOHO made its first reciprocating compressor in 1965. Over decades, the company has grown in project scale and complexity, responding to increasing demands for specialised compressor solutions. Managed by the third generation, André and Björn Hörter, KOHO’s leadership will continue under Svanehoj's ownership. Björn Hörter, Managing Director, views the change positively: "We see this change of ownership as a great opportunity to take our company to the next level. Our specialised compressor solutions will now be part of a broader portfolio that supports the future of gas."
Svanehoj’s Continuing Expansion
KOHO Kompressorsysteme’s acquisition marks Svanehoj's second in the year. Earlier in January, Svanehoj took over European Pump Services B.V., a Dutch enterprise focused on the integration and servicing of pump solutions in the Benelux regions. Post-acquisition, Svanehoj's workforce spans 550 employees across regions including Denmark, the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, Korea, China, Japan, Dubai, and the USA.
Svanehoj, an ITT company, is further expanding its expertise in gas solutions with the acquisition of Germany-based Köhler & Hörter GmbH (KOHO Kompressorsysteme, or KOHO), a family-owned company specialising in high-quality compressors for a wide range of industries, including shipbuilding. The acquisition closed on 1 October 2025.
In recent years, Svanehoj has expanded its position as a supplier of marine pumps, tank control systems, and related service solutions. The acquisition of KOHO Kompressorsysteme represents the next strategical step for Svanehoj in the gas segment as the global gas tanker market continues to grow. KOHO employs approximately 40 people in Hagen, Germany, and specialises in the design and manufacture of customer-specific reciprocating compressor systems for hydrogen, hydrocarbons, and other demanding gas applications. Their product range also includes gastight bulkhead shaft penetrations for industrial facilities and shipbuilding.
High-quality compressors
"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. 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," says Søren Kringelholt Nielsen, CEO of Svanehoj.
Svanehoj and KOHO Kompressorsysteme already share experience from high-profile shipbuilding projects
Svanehoj and KOHO Kompressorsysteme already share experience from high-profile shipbuilding projects, including the Northern Lights LCO₂ carriers in Norway and Höegh Autoliners' Aurora class design, which is the first Pure Car & Truck Carrier (PCTC) to be classified as ”ammonia-ready”, with the capability to operate on green ammonia in the future.
First reciprocating compressor
KOHO Kompressorsysteme was founded in 1948 by Alfred Köhler and August Hörter, who manufactured their first reciprocating compressor in 1965. Since then, the products and projects have grown in both size and complexity, in line with a continuously increasing demand for specialised compressors across a wide range of applications.
The company is run by the third generation of the Hörter family, André Hörter and Björn Hörter, who will both continue as part of the KOHO-management under the new Svanehoj ownership: "We see this change of ownership as a great opportunity to take our company to the next level. Our specialised 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," says Managing Director of KOHO, Björn Hörter.
Continuously increasing demand
The acquisition of KOHO Kompressorsysteme is Svanehoj's second this year. In January, Svanehoj completed the acquisition of European Pump Services B.V., now Svanehoj EPS, a Dutch company specialising in the integration and service of pump solutions for the Benelux industrial, offshore, and maritime sectors.
Following the acquisition of KOHO, Svanehoj employs 550 people and has activities in Denmark, the UK, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Singapore, Korea, China, Japan, Dubai, and the USA.
