Insider Brief
- Neptune Robotics raised US$52 million in Series B funding led by Granite Asia with strategic backing from NYK Line to scale robotic hull-cleaning for maritime efficiency and decarbonization.
- Its underwater robots clean full‑draft Capesize vessels in under 24 hours, operate 24/7 in murky water and 4‑knot currents, cover 61 Asian ports (~70% of trade routes), and already serve top bulk and container fleets in a multi‑billion‑dollar market.
- Proceeds will fund R&D, new robotic systems and AI service platforms, and expansion to 20 markets as NYK rolls out the tech fleetwide, targeting biofouling that drives up to 30% fuel waste and US$40–50 billion in annual costs.
PRESS RELEASE – Neptune Robotics has raised US$52 million in Series B funding, led by Granite Asia, with strategic backing from NYK Line, one of the world’s largest shipping companies.
Neptune Robotics (Neptune) builds underwater robots that replace divers by cleaning ship hulls 3-5 times faster, automatically and and safely. Its systems can clean full draft Capesize vessels in under 24 hours, operating day and night in clear or murky waters and even in 4-knot strong currents, another capability that is 4 times of conventional diving. With coverage across 61 ports in Asia — representing ~70% of international trade routes — Neptune already serves the world’s top bulk carrier and container fleets. Its coating-friendly approach is endorsed by leading global paint manufacturers. With more than 50,000 large commercial vessels in operation, robotic hull cleaning is a multi-billion-dollar global market. Neptune and NYK’s partnership signals that robotics-enabled decarbonisation is ready to scale.
The economic and environmental stakes are massive: biofouling increases fuel consumption by up to 30%, costing the shipping industry US$40-50 billion annually and driving excess emissions. Hull cleaning has long relied on human divers, a job with one of the highest fatality rates. Neptune’s robots automate the cleaning tasks, cut fuel costs, lower emissions, and remove humans from dangerous work.
The new funds will fuel R&D, new robotic systems, AI-driven service platforms, and expansion into 20 markets worldwide, with Japan as a potential key hub. NYK, which has worked with Neptune since 2022, is now rolling out the technology across its global fleet of bulk carriers, car carriers and other carriers — a move projected to generate even greater fuel and emissions reductions.
Elizabeth Chan, CEO of Neptune Robotics:
“Granite Asia and NYKs’ support validates how far robotics has come in transforming maritime efficiency and sustainability. This round gives us the resources to scale globally, continue innovating, and help shipowners boost returns while cutting emissions.”
Granite Asia:
“At Granite Asia, we see Neptune Robotics as emblematic of a new wave of companies redefining global industries through automation and AI. We are thrilled to lead this round and support their mission of scaling technology that delivers both commercial and environmental value. With more than 50,000 large commercial vessels in operation worldwide, robotic hull cleaning represents a multi-billion-dollar market — and Neptune is at the forefront of making it safer, cleaner, and more efficient.”
Hidehiko Sato, General Manager of Ship Business Group, NYK Line:
“We are impressed by Neptune Robotics’ highly efficient hull cleaning technology, which maximized protection to hull coatings and contributes to fuel savings and GHG emissions reduction, as well as compliance with environmental regulation. Through this partnership, we aim to create future business opportunities by combining our strengths. We hope to contribute to decarbonization not only across our fleet but also within the broader shipping sector.”
Image Credit: Neptune Robotics
