What NOVENCO does

NOVENCO (日本ノベンコ株式会社 / Nippon Novenco Co., Ltd.) is a Kobe-headquartered marine equipment distributor and engineering services company founded in 1976 as the Japanese sales entity for Danish ventilation manufacturer Nordisk Ventilator Co. A/S (now NOVENCO Marine & Offshore). The company serves as the exclusive Japanese agent for more than 20 European maritime equipment manufacturers, distributing and integrating products including Hi-Pres high-pressure HVAC systems, ZerAx axial fans, ROCKWOOL marine insulation, Danfoss SEM-SAFE fire suppression, DAMPA ceiling panels, VACDRAIN and ACO Marine sewage treatment systems, KNUD E. HANSEN ship design services, KONE marine elevators, BOHAMET windows and doors, and ALUFLAM fire-rated aluminum doors. Its primary customer base comprises Japanese shipyards such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Nagasaki and Kobe), Japan Marine United, and Nippon Kokan, as well as cruise and passenger ship operators including AIDA/Carnival Group, Carnival UK, and NYK Line.

The company's revenue model combines hardware distribution (sale of European-manufactured maritime equipment) with bundled professional engineering services — preparation of approval drawings, class certification documentation, Japanese Government (JG) approval packages, on-site commissioning, adjustment, turnkey contracting, and after-sales service. Pricing is project-specific and quote-based, with multi-year contracts aligned to shipbuilding project timelines. The company operates two offices (Kobe headquarters and Nagasaki branch) and is partially owned by Danish parent NOVENCO Marine & Offshore (~22.7%) and founder Kobayashi Keiki (~59.1% as of 2017). Since 2018, leadership has been headed by President & CEO Taniguchi Tetsuya.

Cumulatively, NOVENCO-distributed products have equipped more than 16,000 ships with marine HVAC systems, delivered 13 million m² of ROCKWOOL insulation, and supplied sewage, fire, and interior systems to major cruise and commercial vessel projects including AIDA Prima, Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess, Fuji Maru, and Nippon Maru. Recent strategic activity has focused on portfolio expansion into adjacent verticals: data center cooling (NOVENCO Building & Industry ZerAx fans), offshore wind maintenance vessel design (KNUD E. HANSEN SEP concepts), hydrogen and liquid CO2 valve systems for maritime energy transition, and bullet-resistant marine glazing for security/defense applications.

Name

NOVENCO

Legal name

日本ノベンコ株式会社

Website

https://novenco.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

NOVENCO is a Kobe-based exclusive Japanese distributor of European maritime equipment (HVAC, insulation, fire safety, sewage treatment, interiors) serving Japanese shipyards including MHI and major cruise operators, with bundled design, commissioning, and after-sales engineering services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Equipment Distribution

NAICS

Ship Building and Repairing (336611)

SIC

Misc Industrial & Commercial Machinery & Equipment (3590)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine MRO Parts & Consumables Distribution (TLAKAOAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Piping, HVAC & Auxiliary Systems Repair (TLAKAKAH), Life-Saving Appliances & Safety Equipment (Davit Systems, Lifeboats, Firefighting) (IMAJAIAG)

Keywords

• Marine HVAC systems
• Ship equipment distribution
• Marine fire safety
• Ship interior outfitting
• Marine ventilation fans

Headquarters

HQ city

Kobe

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Product Distribution and Sales Agency: Revenue generated through sales of maritime equipment and systems sourced from European partner manufacturers (NOVENCO Marine, ROCKWOOL, Danfoss, KNUD E. HANSEN, DAMPA, BOHAMET, etc.) to Japanese shipyards and shipping companies. Acts as general agent/distributor for multiple overseas manufacturers, handling sales, design, commissioning, adjustment, and after-sales service. Products include HVAC systems, insulation, wastewater treatment, fire safety, interior systems, and elevator/escalator equipment.
2. Engineering and Technical Services: Fees for preparation of approval drawings, construction drawings, as-built drawings, class certification documentation, and Japanese Government (JG) approval documentation for delivered products. Includes commissioning, adjustment, turnkey contracting, and after-sales service bundled with product sales.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

NOVENCO is a Kobe-based general agent and distributor that sells, designs, commissions, and provides after-sales service for ship-related equipment sourced from more than 20 European maritime equipment manufacturers (including NOVENCO Marine & Offshore, KNUD E. HANSEN, ROCKWOOL, Danfoss Fire Safety, DAMPA, ACO Marine, HAMANN AG, BOHAMET, KONE, and others). Its portfolio covers marine HVAC, high-efficiency ZerAx axial fans, sewage/wastewater treatment, fire safety systems, insulation, interior outfitting, marine windows/doors, elevators, and ballast water treatment, packaged for Japanese shipyards and shipping operators with full class certification and Japanese Government (JG) approval documentation.

Product overview

NOVENCO (日本ノベンコ株式会社) is a marine and offshore equipment distributor headquartered in Kobe, Japan, established in 1976 as a dealer for Danish company Nordisk Ventilator Co. A/S. The company operates as a multi-product, multi-brand portfolio rather than a single unified platform. The core product offerings are organized into six main categories: (1) HVAC systems including NOVENCO Marine & Offshore Hi-Pres air conditioning systems and ZerAx axial fans for both marine and building applications; (2) Marine consulting and ship design services through KNUD E. HANSEN; (3) Sewage treatment solutions including VACDRAIN vacuum toilets, ACO Marine, and HAMANN AG systems; (4) Fire safety equipment from Danfoss Fire Safety (SEM-SAFE water mist and CO2 systems); (5) Building materials including ROCKWOOL insulation, ALUFRAM fire doors, and R&M interiors; and (6) Specialized marine equipment including BOHAMET windows, SCHOENROCK watertight doors, KONE elevators, WORTHINGTON cylinders, and BSKY KOSCO ballast water treatment. The products work as complementary hardware solutions for shipbuilding and marine infrastructure projects, with the company providing design, installation, commissioning, and after-sales service for all offerings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• NOVENCO Marine & Offshore Hi-Pres HVAC System High-pressure, high-velocity air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC+R) systems for marine vessels, using compact circular spiral ductwork to save shipboard space. Equipped on 16,000+ ships built at shipyards worldwide.
• NOVENCO Building & Industry ZerAx Axial Fans Energy-efficient axial flow fans for data center cooling, tunnel ventilation, process industries, and parking facilities. ZerAx fans achieve up to 92% efficiency with 20+ year product lifespan and 40% power reduction versus conventional fans.
• KNUD E. HANSEN Marine Design & Consulting Maritime consulting and ship design services since 1937, covering 750+ ships designed, 350+ retrofits, and 450+ hull lines developed. Includes concept design, bid/contract design, basic design, detailed design, and R&D.
• VACDRAIN Vacuum Toilet Systems Vacuum toilet systems, vacuum pumps, and waste management solutions for marine and land applications. Over 700 projects delivered globally since 2006 founding.
• ROCKWOOL Offshore & Marine Insulation Stone wool insulation providing fire safety, acoustic, and thermal solutions for marine applications. 13 million m² delivered to the Japanese market. IMO 2010 FTP Code and JG approved.
• Danfoss Fire Safety SEM-SAFE Systems High-pressure water mist and low-pressure CO2 fire suppression systems for marine vessels, approved by all major classification societies (ABS, BV, DNV, GL, KRS, LRS, NK, PRS).
• ACO Marine Sewage Treatment Systems IMO MEPC 227(64) compliant sewage treatment systems including Maripur membrane bioreactor, Clarimar treatment systems, and Lipatomat grease separators. Holds 75% market share in the cruise segment.
• HAMANN AG Sewage Treatment Systems Compact sewage and wastewater treatment systems for marine vessels using simple membrane-free design, plus ballast water treatment systems. Serves superyachts, cruise ships, ferries, and passenger vessels since 1972.
• BOHAMET Marine Windows & Doors Ship windows, portholes, and marine doors in steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and brass. Includes EN1063-compliant bullet-resistant glass, fire-rated doors, and watertight doors.
• DAMPA Ceiling Systems Ceiling panel systems with acoustic absorption, ventilation, and decorative functions for high-grade cruise ships. 70+ years of experience with millions of square meters installed.
• SCHOENROCK Watertight Doors Hydraulic and electric watertight doors, shell doors, and hatch systems for marine applications, including flood-tight doors for land-based flood prevention.
• Nordhavn A/S Emergency Generator Sets
• ALUFLAM Fire-Rated Aluminum Doors
• BSKY KOSCO Ballast Water Treatment Systems
• R&M Marine Interiors & Prefabricated Cabins
• Seaking Marine Catering Systems
• Sola-Cure Marine Blinds & Shades
• Worthington High-Pressure Cylinders High-pressure gas cylinders including Type 1 CNG cylinders, Type 3/4 hydrogen cylinders, and bundle cylinders. ISO 9001, ISO 14000, OHSAS 18000, ISO/TS 16949 certified.
• GERFLOR Marine Flooring Solutions
• HAMMER Ege Marine Carpets
• PNK Engineering Technical Insulation
• KTMS Catering Waste Processing Equipment
• RAPP BOMEK Heavy-Duty Safety Doors
• ALWO Explosion-Proof Fans IECEx-certified explosion-proof fans for hazardous marine and industrial environments.
• MIRvalve Liquid CO2 Valves Ball valves for liquid CO2 applications, including Type III and Type IV cylinders for cryogenic and high-pressure gas service.

Quantifiable outcome

• 16,000+ ships equipped with NOVENCO Marine HVAC systems worldwide
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• KNUD E. HANSENcoreTechnology or IntegrationWorld-renowned Danish maritime consulting and ship design company established in 1937. NOVENCO serves as the exclusive Japanese agent for KNUD E. HANSEN, offering ship design, basic design, modification design, and HVAC/duct/pipe engineering consulting. Designs span cargo ships, cruise vessels, offshore vessels, and specialized ships. Over 750 ships designed and 350+ modifications completed since 1937. Recently focused on offshore wind SEP vessel design.
• NOVENCO Building & IndustrycoreTechnology or IntegrationDanish company with 80+ years of experience manufacturing fans, cooling units, and fan walls. Headquartered in Denmark with production facilities. Products include ZerAx high-efficiency axial fans (up to 92% efficiency, 20+ year lifespan), cooling units, and fan walls for data centers, tunnels, process industries, and parking facilities. Reference projects include Scandinavian and US hyperscale data centers.
• VACDRAINmajorTechnology or IntegrationGlobal manufacturer and supplier of vacuum and waste management systems, headquartered in Hamburg with offices in Busan, Shanghai, Singapore, and Helsinki. Specializes in vacuum toilets, food waste systems, and dry waste systems for marine and land applications. Founded in 2006, with 700+ projects delivered including ships, trains, buildings, and mobile units.
• NOVENCO Marine & OffshorecoreTechnology or IntegrationDanish marine HVAC specialist with nearly 70 years of experience, supplying HVAC+R systems as a market leader. Founded in 1947, employs ~200 people globally. Products include Hi-Pres air conditioning systems (equipped on 16,000+ ships), ZerAx axial fans (90% efficiency, 40% power reduction), chillers, air handling units, and automation systems. ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certified.
• ROCKWOOL offshore & marinecoreTechnology or IntegrationLeading Danish manufacturer of stone wool insulation with global operations (30+ factories). Products include fire-resistant, acoustic, and thermal insulation for marine applications. Delivered 13 million m² to the Japanese market (equivalent to 10,000+ containers). IMO 2010 FTP Code and JG approved. Non-carcinogenic certified by EU, WHO, IARC.
• HAMANN AGmajorTechnology or IntegrationGerman manufacturer of marine sewage and wastewater treatment systems since 1972. Employs over 120 people. Provides the most compact sewage treatment units in the maritime industry using a simple membrane-free design. Also pioneered ballast water treatment systems with early type approval. Serves superyachts, cruise ships, ferries, and passenger vessels.
• ACO MarinemajorTechnology or IntegrationPart of the $1 billion German ACO Group (present in 40 countries). Specializes in IMO MEPC 227(64) compliant sewage treatment systems with 75% market share in the cruise segment. Products include Maripur membrane bioreactor, Clarimar treatment systems, Lipatomat/Lipator grease separators, and vacuum toilet systems. JG-approved Clarimar MF series delivered to MHI/MES naval vessels.
• Danfoss Fire Safety A/S (SEM-SAFE)majorTechnology or IntegrationDanish global leader in high-pressure water mist and low-pressure CO2 fire suppression systems for marine applications. SEM-SAFE brand systems approved by all major classification societies (ABS, BV, DNV, GL, LRS, NK, etc.). Reduces fire damage and downtime while minimizing water consumption and post-fire cleanup. Systems cover all ship areas from cargo holds to passenger accommodations.
• DAMPAcoreTechnology or IntegrationDanish manufacturer of ceiling panel systems for ships with over 70 years of experience and millions of square meters installed. Products feature acoustic absorption, hygiene, functionality, sustainability, and fire safety. Supplied approximately 20,000 m² of high-grade ceiling systems for AIDA Prima. Supplies cruise ships, ferries, and luxury vessels globally.
• ALUFLAM A/SmajorTechnology or IntegrationDanish-Lithuanian manufacturer of fire-rated aluminum doors and glass walls combining lightweight aluminum frames with fire-resistant glass. Products rated B-15 to B-30, A-0 to A-60. Delivered B-15 glass doors to Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess (MHI Nagasaki, 2004-2005). Also supplied Nippon Maru refit with JG approval.
• Nordhavn A/SmajorTechnology or IntegrationDanish specialist in emergency generator sets and high-speed generator systems. Products based on Baudouin diesel engines (France, 100+ years of experience) and SCANA/SISU engines, approved by all major classification societies and JG. Capacity range 18-3,125 kVA full range PowerKit engines for marine propulsion and auxiliary power.
• SCHOENROCKsupportingTechnology or IntegrationGerman manufacturer of hydraulic and electric watertight doors and shell doors. Also developed flood defense doors for land-based applications. Committed to 24-hour service capability. Serves shipyards globally with high-quality watertight door systems for hull watertight integrity and flood protection.
• BOHAMETmajorTechnology or IntegrationPolish manufacturer of maritime windows, doors, and hatches with 30+ years of experience. World leader supplying shipyards globally. Products include portholes, windows, doors, and hatches in steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and brass. Glass options include monolithic, tempered, laminated, electrically heated, soundproof, bulletproof (EN1063 compliant), and fire-rated. Ship types include commercial, naval, and luxury yachts.
• Worthington IndustriessupportingTechnology or IntegrationAustrian manufacturer of lightweight, seamless high-pressure cylinders with 60 years of experience. ISO 9001, ISO 14000, OHSAS 18000, ISO/TS 16949 certified. Products include Type 1 CNG cylinders (lightest and safest steel CNG tanks), industrial gas cylinders, and cryogenic cylinders. Also supplies Type III and IV hydrogen gas cylinders, and bundled cylinder systems.
• GERFLORsupportingTechnology or IntegrationFrench global leader in flexible flooring solutions with ISO 14001 certified production facilities. Products use recycled materials and meet major Green Building Scheme credits. Serves architectural, decorative, sports, and technical flooring needs in over 100 countries.
• HAMMER Ege (Ege Carpets and Hammer Carpets)supportingTechnology or IntegrationDanish joint partnership of Ege Carpets (founded 1938, producing tufted and woven carpets) and Hammer Carpets (founded 1948, producing colortec and graphic carpets for luxury hotels and cruise ships). Both companies produce in Denmark. Ege Carpets also produces yarn in Lithuania. Specialized in marine carpeting for 4-5 star hotels and cruise interiors.
• R&M GroupcoreTechnology or IntegrationGlobal ship interior and outfitting company established over 130 years ago, with ~4,000 ships outfitted since 1960. Products span insulation, HVAC, wall/floor/ceiling/doors/wet units/prefabricated cabins/furniture. Supplied prefabricated cabins for all AIDA Prima and AIDA Perla staterooms at MHI Nagasaki. Covers cruise ships, ferries, expedition vessels, mega yachts, and offshore structures.
• KONEsupportingTechnology or IntegrationFinnish global leader in elevators, escalators, and automatic doors with €10 billion annual revenue (2019) and ~60,000 employees. Class B shares listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. KONE MonoSpace (machine-room-less) and MiniSpace systems adapted for marine use. Supplied to luxury cruise ships, ferries, commercial vessels, and offshore structures worldwide.
• MIR VALVEsupportingTechnology or IntegrationMalaysian manufacturer of API 6D and API 6A ball valves and gate valves for oil & gas, refining, and petrochemical industries. Manufacturing facility in Shah Alam (140,000 sq ft) near Kuala Lumpur. Produced 14,000+ valves since 2008. Certified ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, CE-PED, CE-ATEX, IEC 61508. Approved by 100+ major oil & gas companies.
• Seaking International AGsupportingTechnology or IntegrationSwiss-headquartered company with Oy TriMar Ltd. (Finland) and production in Poland and USA. Specializes in marine catering systems and galley equipment. ISO 9001:2015 certified. 130+ cruise ships outfitted and experience with 20+ cruise lines and all European shipyards since 1985. Provides complete catering system design, specification, and final design.
• KTMS (Kloska Technical Marine Sales)supportingTechnology or IntegrationGerman maritime equipment supplier specializing in catering waste processing, recycling equipment, and greywater sewage treatment for ships. Products include food waste processors, grease separators, vacuum waste systems, bin/can crushers, glass crushers, and greywater treatment units.
• BaudouinsupportingTechnology or IntegrationFrench diesel engine manufacturer with 100+ years of experience designing and manufacturing industrial and marine engines. Distributed in Japan through Nordhavn A/S. Marine propulsion engines meet latest environmental standards including IMO Tier 3. Range 18-3,125 kVA. Known for quality, durability, reliability, and easy maintenance.
• Sola-CuresupportingTechnology or IntegrationUK-based manufacturer of marine blinds and window shades under the Sola-Cure brand. Products include UV blinds, blackout blinds, anti-glare blinds, and roller fabric blinds for ship bridges, pilot houses, crew quarters, and public areas. UV-blocking and anti-glare features improve visibility for pilots and helmsmen. Also supplies hydraulic bolt alternatives to traditional rivets.
• RAPP BOMEKsupportingTechnology or IntegrationNorwegian manufacturer of heavy-duty doors, safety doors, and security doors for harsh North Sea conditions. H120/60 door rating. Part of Bomek Group with 150 employees in Bodø, Norway. Serves global energy, civil, and defense markets. Offers both standard products and turnkey project solutions. Includes fire-rated and anti-intrusion door specifications.
• BSKY KOSCO (Brightsky & KOSCO)supportingTechnology or IntegrationJoint venture between Brightsky (China, Jiangsu Wuxi, 400 employees) and KOSCO (Korea, Busan, established 1976). Ballast water management systems using Hydro cyclone pre-treatment (filter-free, chemical-free) combined with ultrasound and UV treatment. IMO, USCG compliant. KOSCO holds approvals from major classification societies for life boats and firefighting systems.
• PNK EngineeringsupportingTechnology or IntegrationKorean company supplying advanced technical insulation and corrosion-resistant products for industrial and marine applications. Exclusive distributor of leading global insulation and special coating products in Korea. Official施工 partner for major global shipbuilding and oil & gas companies.
• A & A Material Corporation (エーアンドエーマテリアル)supportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerJapanese domestic cooperation partner for ROCKWOOL marine insulation products. Handles local distribution and technical support for ROCKWOOL products in the Japanese market. Located in Shinagawa, Tokyo.

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• IHI Corporation: Japanese heavy industrial conglomerate with marine systems, engines, and shipyard equipment offerings. Operates in the same Japanese shipyard ecosystem as NOVENCO and provides overlapping capabilities in marine propulsion and systems integration.
• Wärtsilä: Finnish marine systems and services major covering engines, propulsion, and ship systems. Operates broadly across the marine value chain with capabilities overlapping several NOVENCO partner categories (HVAC integration, fire safety, environmental).
• Alfa Laval: Swedish broad marine equipment supplier covering heat transfer, separation, fluid handling, and environmental systems. A larger incumbent that overlaps with several NOVENCO partner brands (e.g., plate heat exchangers, freshwater generators) at the global shipyard level.

Direct peers

• Dometic Marine: Swedish marine HVAC, sanitation, and onboard comfort systems supplier to yacht, commercial, and cruise markets. Highly comparable business model to NOVENCO's marine HVAC + sanitation distribution portfolio (e.g., ZerAx fans, VACDRAIN toilets).
• Heinen & Hopman: Dutch marine HVAC and refrigeration systems specialist serving yachts, naval, and commercial vessels. Directly comparable to NOVENCO as a specialized marine climate control and ventilation systems provider with global shipyard customer relationships.
• R&M Group: Global ship interior and outfitting specialist serving cruise, ferries, and offshore structures (4,000+ vessels outfitted). Both a NOVENCO partner and a direct competitor in marine interior outfitting, comparable in scope and customer base.
• Becker Marine Systems: German marine equipment manufacturer specializing in rudder systems, LNG fuel gas systems, and ship propulsion components. Comparable as a specialized marine equipment supplier targeting commercial shipyards and shipping operators.
• Webasto: German supplier of marine HVAC, climate, and roof systems for commercial vessels and yachts. Competes with NOVENCO Marine & Offshore in the marine HVAC category and serves similar shipyard customers globally.

Emerging players

• Klimaoprema: Croatian marine HVAC and refrigeration equipment manufacturer serving commercial shipping and offshore. Comparable specialized marine HVAC manufacturer competing in the same global shipyard space as NOVENCO's parent HVAC brand.

Regional players

• Mitsui E&S: Japanese shipbuilder and marine systems manufacturer with strong domestic presence. Comparable as a regional Japanese marine player, though primarily a shipbuilder rather than a distributor/integrator.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/novenco-nippon-ltd-

Compliance25 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

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 NOVENCO