What Water Linked does

Water Linked AS is a Trondheim, Norway-based underwater navigation and imaging technology company founded in 2013. The company designs and sells specialized hardware for the subsea domain, with a core product portfolio spanning Doppler Velocity Logs (DVLs), 3D Imaging Sonars, Acoustic Positioning Systems, and Underwater Modems. These products enable precise positioning, velocity measurement, and imaging for remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and unmanned surface vessels, addressing the fundamental challenge that GPS does not function underwater.

The company serves three primary vertical segments: defense and security (autonomous underwater drones, naval applications, surveillance), offshore energy (subsea survey, pipeline inspection, renewable energy installations), and maritime commercial (autonomous vessel navigation, seabed mapping, research). Its go-to-market is enterprise field sales targeting defense contractors, offshore energy operators, and maritime equipment manufacturers globally, with marketing concentrated at industry events such as Dark Drones 2026 in Trondheim. Pricing is quote-based given the specialized, engineered nature of the systems.

In June 2026, NORBIT ASA announced a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Water Linked shares for NOK 330 million on a cash- and debt-free basis, with closing expected around June 30, 2026. Water Linked is projected to contribute approximately NOK 100 million in revenue with 25-30% EBITDA margins in 2026. Post-acquisition, Water Linked will retain its brand and operate within NORBIT's Oceans product division. Despite a headcount of only 1-10 employees, the company demonstrates unusually high revenue-per-employee efficiency, reflecting deep specialization in a niche technical domain.

Name

Water Linked

Legal name

Water Linked AS

Website

https://waterlinked.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Water Linked AS, founded in 2013 in Trondheim, Norway, designs and sells underwater navigation and imaging hardware — including Doppler Velocity Logs, 3D Imaging Sonars, and Acoustic Positioning Systems — for ROVs, AUVs, and unmanned surface vessels serving global defense, offshore energy, and maritime customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Underwater Navigation and Imaging Technology

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Sonar, Undersea Sensors & Acoustic Detection Systems (IMABAGAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marine & Underwater Robotics (USVs/UUVs) (HDAAAIAH), Maritime Unmanned Systems (USV/UUV) & Control Stations (IMABAKAJ), Naval Sensors & Sonar Systems (IMABAKAD), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) & Autonomous Maritime Surface Platforms (IMABAIAE)

Keywords

• Underwater navigation systems
• Acoustic positioning technology
• Sonar imaging solutions
• Doppler velocity logs
• Subsea communication modems

Headquarters

HQ city

Trondheim

HQ country

Norway

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Underwater Technology Systems and Equipment: Water Linked generates revenue through the sale of underwater navigation and imaging hardware including Doppler Velocity Logs, 3D imaging sonars, acoustic positioning systems, and underwater modems. These are specialized B2B systems sold to maritime, defense, and offshore energy sectors.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels1 record

Core offering

Water Linked designs, develops, and manufactures underwater navigation and imaging technology hardware, including Doppler Velocity Logs, 3D imaging sonars, acoustic positioning systems, and underwater modems. These specialized systems are sold to maritime, defense, and offshore energy operators for use on ROVs, AUVs, and unmanned surface vessels to enable precise subsea navigation, positioning, seabed mapping, and acoustic data communication.

Product overview

Water Linked is an underwater navigation and imaging technology provider offering a portfolio of core products including Doppler Velocity Logs, 3D Imaging Sonars, Acoustic Positioning Systems, and Underwater Modems. These products serve maritime, defense, and offshore energy markets, enabling precise navigation and positioning for ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles), AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles), and unmanned surface vessels. The company operates as a technology provider specializing in underwater positioning and imaging solutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Doppler Velocity Logs Underwater navigation systems that measure vessel velocity relative to the seabed or water column using the Doppler effect, commonly used on ROVs, AUVs, and unmanned surface vessels for precise positioning and navigation.
• 3D Imaging Sonars Sonar systems that produce three-dimensional imaging of underwater environments, enabling detailed visualization of seabed topography and underwater structures for maritime, defense, and offshore energy applications.
• Acoustic Positioning Systems Underwater positioning technology using acoustic signals to determine the location of subsea vehicles and equipment with high precision in maritime and defense operations.
• Underwater Modems Communication devices that enable data transmission between underwater vehicles and surface stations or between subsea installations using acoustic wave technology.

Quantifiable outcome

• Expected NOK 100 million revenue contribution in 2026 with 25-30% EBITDA margin post-acquisition by NORBIT

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• NORBIT ASAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2026NORBIT ASA signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of shares in Water Linked AS for NOK 330 million on a cash- and debt-free basis. The acquisition is intended to expand and complement NORBIT's Oceans product portfolio, strengthening its position as a technology provider for underwater vessels including ROVs, AUVs, and unmanned surface vessels. Water Linked will continue operating under its own brand while integrating into NORBIT's Oceans product division.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Sonardyne: UK-based specialist in acoustic positioning, inertial navigation, and subsea sensors for AUVs/ROVs. Direct competitor to Water Linked's DVL and acoustic positioning systems across the same defense, offshore energy, and survey customer base.
• Exail (formerly iXblue): French-headquartered provider of inertial navigation, acoustic positioning (Gaps/Apos), and subsea imaging used by AUV/ROV operators. Directly comparable product portfolio and customer overlap with Water Linked in subsea navigation.
• EdgeTech: US manufacturer of side-scan sonars, sub-bottom profilers, and imaging sonar systems sold into survey, defense, and offshore markets. Strong overlap with Water Linked's 3D imaging sonar product line.
• Tritech (part of Moog): UK-based manufacturer of subsea sonars, cameras, and acoustic products for ROVs and AUVs. Directly comparable imaging sonar and acoustic positioning offering for the same ROV/AUV integrator base.
• Imagenex Technology: Canadian specialist in multibeam imaging sonars, DVLs, and acoustic products for subsea vehicles. Small-team specialist closely comparable in size, product scope, and target market to Water Linked.

Broad incumbents

• Kongsberg Maritime: Large Norwegian-headquartered incumbent offering sonar, subsea positioning, AUVs (Hugin), and integrated maritime systems across defense, offshore, and survey. Overlaps with Water Linked's portfolio as part of a much broader offering.
• Teledyne Marine: Division of Teledyne Technologies producing sonars, DVLs, acoustic positioning, and subsea imaging products. Competes with Water Linked across many of the same product categories from a much larger installed base.
• Saab Seaeye: Manufacturer of ROVs and underwater systems including sonar-integrated vehicles for defense, offshore, and survey customers. Overlaps with Water Linked at the system integration level for the same ROV/AUV market.

Others

• NORBIT ASA: Norwegian technology group acquiring Water Linked and integrating it into the Oceans product division. Strategic parent rather than direct competitor, but adjacent in ocean monitoring and subsea sensing.

Emerging players

• Blue Robotics: US-based supplier of underwater thrusters, sonars, and components for small ROVs and AUVs. Adjacent in the subsea navigation/sensing space with hobbyist-to-professional crossover relevant to autonomous underwater vehicles.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/waterlinkedas
• Facebookfacebook.com/waterlinked

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Water Linked