KK Group has announced the acquisition of Danish shore power leader PowerCon A/S, a strategic move backed by A.P. Moller Holding to dominate the maritime electrification market. The deal integrates specialized power conversion and battery storage capabilities, enabling global ports to eliminate vessel emissions via advanced “cold ironing” technology. Expected to close in Q2 2026, the partnership scales modular energy solutions across the wind, maritime, and energy storage sectors.
Denmark | April 20, 2026 – In a move set to accelerate the decarbonization of global shipping, KK Group has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire PowerCon A/S, a pioneer in shore power and power conversion technology. The acquisition, backed by the industrial might of A.P. Moller Holding, signals a major consolidation in the maritime energy sector as the industry pivots toward full-scale electrification.
The deal, expected to close in Q2 2026, brings together two Danish powerhouses with a shared 15-year history in the wind industry. By integrating PowerCon’s specialized shore power solutions, KK Group is positioning itself to lead the “cold ironing” market, a critical segment as ports worldwide mandate that vessels plug into land-based grids to eliminate auxiliary engine emissions while at berth.
Strategic Integration and Market Expansion
The acquisition is more than a simple merger; it is a tactical expansion into the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and maritime electrification markets. PowerCon has built a global reputation for modular, high-power converters that allow ships to transition seamlessly from marine fuel to renewable shore-side electricity.
Key highlights of the transaction include:
- Scale & Workforce: Over 200 specialists from PowerCon will join KK Group’s 3,700-strong global team, bringing the total headcount to approximately 4,000 employees.
- Governance & Continuity: PowerCon will operate as a separate entity within KK Group. Crucially, the original founders and leadership team will retain a 30% minority stake, ensuring technical continuity and local anchoring in Hobro.
- Ecosystem Synergy: As a portfolio company of A.P. Moller Holding, KK Group will leverage the group’s vast maritime ecosystem to scale PowerCon’s technology across international shipping lanes.
Leadership Statements: “Powering Change”
Mauricio Quintana, CEO of KK Group:
“PowerCon’s unique shore power technology coupled with its clear mission and skilled team is perfectly aligned with KK Group’s purpose, Powering Change towards a more sustainable tomorrow. PowerCon has over many years proven to be a highly successful and value-driven partner and through this acquisition, we will leverage PowerCon’s skills and technologies to unlock new growth opportunities and support the electrification of the global maritime industry for the benefit of customers, society, and the environment.”
Kim Brøndum Larsen, CEO and Co-founder of PowerCon A/S:
“Joining KK Group is a natural next step for PowerCon. We share the same roots in wind and the same belief in what power conversion technology can do for the energy transition. With KK Group’s scale and resources behind us, we can bring our shore power solutions to more ports and customers, supported by a stable ownership platform that supports continued development, technological advancement, and growth.”
The Maritime Impact: Eliminating Port-Side Emissions
The core of the deal lies in PowerCon’s modular shore power systems. By allowing ships to turn off their diesel engines at berth, this technology addresses the “last mile” of maritime decarbonization. With global shore power market values projected to reach $2.4 billion by the end of 2026, KK Group’s timing is surgical, capturing a market driven by increasingly stringent IMO and regional port regulations.
The A.P. Moller Connection
The acquisition is strategically significant due to KK Group’s ownership by A.P. Moller Holding, the investment arm of the A.P. Moller Foundation. This relationship provides PowerCon with an unprecedented “ecosystem advantage,” offering direct access to global maritime logistics networks and the financial stability required to scale shore power infrastructure across the world’s major trading hubs.
About PowerCon A/S
PowerCon A/S is an international engineering and manufacturing leader renowned for its pioneering work in shore power (cold ironing) and power conversion. Founded in 2009 by a team with deep expertise in the wind turbine sector, the company successfully adapted modular converter technology to solve the maritime industry’s port-side emission challenges.
Based in Hobro, Denmark, PowerCon is celebrated for its highly flexible, containerized shore power systems that allow vessels to connect to land-based renewable energy grids while at berth. Beyond its dominant position in maritime electrification, PowerCon has established a significant presence in the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) market and continue to serve as a key supplier for wind turbine OEMs worldwide.
About KK Group
KK Group is a global technology powerhouse specializing in the design and manufacture of power electronics, controls, and monitoring solutions for the renewable energy sector. With a history rooted in the wind industry spanning over 45 years, the company has evolved into a critical partner for the global energy transition.
Headquartered in Denmark and backed by A.P. Moller Holding, KK Group operates across the entire value chain, from R&D and production to digital life-cycle services. As of 2026, the group employs approximately 4,000 people (post-acquisition) across 10 countries. Its portfolio includes industry leaders like KK Wind Solutions and Nissens Cooling Solutions, positioning the group as a primary architect of a more robust and electrified global energy system.
Source: KK Group