Shipping company Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) and robotics-driven vessel cleaning operator Neptune Robotics (Neptune) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which expands their partnership to accelerate fuel efficiency and decarbonisation across NYK’s global fleet.
NYK has worked with Neptune since 2022, making it one of the earliest adopters of Neptune’s robotic hull cleaning. From earlier deployments, Neptune’s robots delivered up to 10-fold fuel savings compared to cleaning costs, with significant reductions in fuel use and emissions.
The expanded partnership will now scale robotic cleaning across NYK’s global fleet, expected to generate even greater fuel savings and carbon reductions each year in the second deployment phase. As part of this push, NYK has joined Neptune’s US$ 52m Series B funding round led by Granite Asia, aligning incentives to scale deployment globally.
The collaboration also supports Neptune’s expansion into global markets, opening access to a wider customer base and port ecosystem including Japan. Neptune currently covers 61 ports in Singapore and China.
Hidehiko Sato, GM of Ship Business Group, NYK, said: “We are impressed by Neptune Robotics’ highly efficient hull cleaning technology which maximises 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 decarbonisation not only across our fleet but also within the broader shipping sector.”
Elizabeth Chan, CEO Neptune Robotics, added: “NYK has been one of the earliest and most forward-looking adopters of robotic hull cleaning. Their leadership has allowed us to demonstrate how automation can deliver real ROI and emissions reductions at scale. Together, we are proving robotics is a practical, scalable pathway to decarbonisation.”
Unlike diver-based or conventional ROV methods, Neptune’s AI-powered robots clean a full-draught Capesize vessel 3-5 times faster, automatically, safely, above and below water, and even in currents up to 4 knots, considered to be triple the counter-current capability of human divers. The robots operate day and night in clear and murky waters, while protecting hull coatings — a process endorsed by paint manufacturers.
Image: Neptune robotic system (source: NYK Line)
