BTG Positioning Systems has acquired US-based GPR, Inc. to expand its technology portfolio and push innovation in container terminals. The deal brings patented radar-based positioning solutions into BTG’s operations which will provide opportunities for autonomous vehicles and new markets.
BTG Positioning Systems has completed the acquisition of GPR, Inc., a US technology company specializing in radar-based positioning, in a move aimed at strengthening its role in port automation and expanding into new markets.
The deal gives BTG exclusive access to GPR’s patented ground-penetrating radar technology, which detects and maps underground features to enable highly accurate positioning. The system works reliably even in environments where traditional GPS or infrared-based solutions face limitations.
GPR’s technology will be integrated into BTG’s product suite. It complements its existing transponder and infrared solutions used in container terminals worldwide. According to BTG, the radar-based system makes it possible to achieve unprecedented levels of accuracy for autonomous vehicles and cranes while remaining unaffected by poor weather or line-of-sight obstructions.
The acquisition also gives the way for the launch of a new solution called Ground Sensing Localisation, or GSL, which BTG plans to introduce by 2026. GSL uses unique subsurface features as reference points to deliver positioning accuracy within 2 centimeters. Unlike other systems, it does not require above-ground reference points or modifications to existing infrastructure, making it suitable for both new and established container terminals.
“Our collaboration with GPR had already set BTG on a new technological trajectory. With this acquisition, we now have all the technology and expertise in-house to further develop this groundbreaking innovation,” said Diek Neurdenburg, CEO of BTG Positioning Systems. “With the addition of our new colleagues, BTG’s development capacity has doubled and significantly strengthened. This opens the door to new industries and markets for BTG. For me, this is exactly what we’ve been looking for to enable the next phase of growth and development for BTG — a dream come true.”
The integration of GPR is expected to accelerate BTG’s innovation pipeline, supported by combined research and development teams that are already working on expanding radar-based applications. The move also allows GPR to benefit from BTG’s established commercial and operational infrastructure, helping bring the radar solutions to market on a larger scale.
Industry observers note that the acquisition reflects a wider push in the maritime sector to deploy technologies that make container handling safer, faster, and more resilient. As ports increasingly explore automation, reliable positioning systems that can operate independently of GPS or external networks are viewed as essential for scaling autonomous equipment.
With this acquisition, BTG aims to consolidate its leadership in positioning technology for ports while preparing to expand its solutions into other industries where precision localization is critical.
Additionally, Thomas Cashman, CTO, commentedm “The union of the BTG and GPR presents an opportunity to blend the strong, complementary engineering talent of each organisation with the exceptional operations and commercial teams at BTG. BTG’s proven track record of delivering high-quality solutions in the seaport automation industry will be the perfect complement to GPR’s ability to deliver innovative engineering solutions.
