Edge Defence Ltd Acquires 100% of New Zealand Ocean Technology Ltd, Strengthening New Zealands Sovereign Maritime Capability
- John Gell
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
EDGE Defence Limited has completed the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of New Zealand Ocean Technology Limited (NZOT), marking an exciting new chapter in the company's 42-year history.
Established more than four decades ago, NZOT is one of New Zealand's original and most respected underwater technology companies, supplying and supporting underwater vehicles (UUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous systems, diving equipment and specialist maritime capability for the New Zealand Defence Force, New Zealand Police and other government agencies.
The acquisition ensures continuity for customers, suppliers and industry partners.
NZOT will continue to operate under its established brand, with its experienced technical support team remaining in place. The company will continue delivering through-life support, maintenance, engineering services and specialist capability from its workshops located on the Royal New Zealand Navy Base at Devonport, while supporting customers throughout New Zealand and on specialist deployments, including Antarctica.
As part of the acquisition:
John Gell has been appointed General Manager of NZOT and Director.
Jack Towers has been promoted to Defence Services Manager.
Andrew Edwards, Co-Founder and shareholder of EDGE Defence, has been appointed Chairman of the Board.
The acquisition brings together two highly complementary New Zealand defence businesses. While NZOT has built an outstanding reputation in underwater systems, sustainment and specialist maritime capability, EDGE Defence provides advanced defence technologies, systems integration, engineering and sovereign capability development. Together the businesses strengthen New Zealand's ability to deliver locally supported defence capability backed by trusted international industry partners.
Andrew Edwards, Chairman of NZOT, said:
"NZOT has earned an exceptional reputation over the past 42 years by supporting those who protect New Zealand. Our priority is simply to preserve everything that customers value while investing in the next generation of capability, people and partnerships. Together with EDGE Defence, we are building a stronger New Zealand-owned defence business that will continue delivering world-class support for decades to come."
John Gell, General Manager of NZOT, added:
"Our customers can expect continuity from day one. The technical support team, the relationships and the commitment to service remain unchanged. At the same time, this acquisition creates exciting opportunities to expand our engineering capability, strengthen support to the New Zealand Defence Force and bring innovative technologies to New Zealand through our global industry partnerships."
The acquisition represents another step in developing sovereign New Zealand defence capability through local expertise, trusted international partnerships and long-term investment in advanced maritime technologies.
EDGE Defence acknowledged the significant contribution made by Ron Tyson and Ann Tyson in building NZOT into one of New Zealand's most respected defence technology companies and thanked them for their dedication over more than four decades. “Ron and Ann have both worked very hard for so long in the support of the country’s defence. We really appreciate them.” states John Gell.
About New Zealand Ocean Technology
New Zealand Ocean Technology Limited is one of New Zealand's longest-established specialist underwater technology companies. The company supplies, integrates and supports autonomous underwater vehicles, remotely operated vehicles, diving systems and specialist maritime equipment while providing through-life support and engineering services across New Zealand.
About EDGE Defence
EDGE Defence Limited is a 100% New Zealand-owned defence company specialising in mission-critical technologies, engineering, systems integration, global OEM representation and through-life support for defence and security organisations across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific.