Greece’s expanding Signal Group joins forces with software solutions provider in shipping industry AXSMarine.
Ioannis Martinos-led Signal Group through its technology arm Signal Ocean is buying AXSMarine, a company which offers a complete suite of interactive, web-based tools and databases to support all commercial ship chartering activities.
The Signal Group, a diversified shipping services organization, founded by Greek Ioannis Martinos who left Thenamaris (Ships Management) Inc. in late 2014, one of the biggest shipping companies in Greece, holding the position of joint-CEO, to found the Signal Group of Companies, acquires AXSMarine in a strategic move by the company to advance technology, innovation, and collaboration across the global shipping ecosystem.
“We have immense respect for AXSMarine’s achievements – both in the strength of its products, like AXSDry and Alphaliner, and its position in the market,” said Ioannis Martinos, CEO of Signal Ocean.
“This investment and partnership is rooted in a shared vision: to build technology and provide quality data that enhance the way our industry operates. Together, we aim to push the boundaries of innovation, deepen collaboration across market participants, and deliver solutions that truly serve the community across prefixing, postfixing and commodities tracking. For our clients, this will mean more robust data and faster feature development,” he said.
The combined product portfolio extends beyond the primary offerings to also include AXSMarine affiliate NextVoyage Maritime Pte. and Signal Ocean affiliate Shiplex S.A., who develop voyage and ship management ERP solutions. Together, the group now supports a community of more than 1,500 clients.
Signal Ocean also reaffirmed the importance of its broader network of partnerships, including its relationship with BRS, a shipbroking group which remains a long-term client of both the Signal Ocean and AXSMarine solutions.
“Signal Ocean’s investment is a strong endorsement of our mission,” said Gilbert Walter, CEO of BRS Group. “We are pleased with our decision to transfer the destiny of AXSMarine to Signal Ocean, a company that truly understands shipping, comes from within the industry, and has consistently demonstrated deep respect for its people and its evolution. Reflecting BRS Group’s confidence in this union, we have decided to invest in Signal Ocean and participate in its board.”
“I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved so far, and as we look toward the future of our combined forces, I’m excited to be part of this next chapter in our journey,” noted Jacques Goudchaux, AXSMarine CEO. “In this next phase, my goal is to ensure our values stay at the core of every decision, and that we continue creating meaningful impact for our customers, partners, and each other. Our alignment and shared vision will improve and accelerate our ability to serve our markets together for the benefit of our clients.”
