The cooperation expands on an existing partnership that began in 2022, when NYK became one of the first companies to adopt Neptune’s robotics-driven hull cleaning. Neptune’s underwater robots, powered by artificial intelligence, are reported to generate fuel savings up to ten times greater than the cleaning costs, while also achieving notable reductions in fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Under the new agreement, robotic cleaning will be scaled across NYK’s global fleet, which includes bulk carriers, car carriers, and other vessels. The initiative is expected to deliver greater annual fuel savings and carbon reductions starting from the second deployment phase.
In parallel with the strengthened partnership, Neptune Robotics has secured $52 million in a Series B funding round. The investment was led by Granite Asia and supported by NYK. The company intends to use the financing to advance research and development, create new robotic systems, and expand AI-enabled service platforms. Neptune also plans to enter at least 20 international markets, with Japan envisioned as a key operational hub.
According to Neptune officials, the funding will help accelerate the deployment of robotic cleaning solutions worldwide, positioning the company to meet increasing demand for sustainable vessel maintenance.
The timing of this collaboration aligns with pressing economic and environmental challenges in the maritime sector. Biofouling, caused by the accumulation of organisms on ship hulls, can raise fuel consumption by as much as 30%. This translates into an estimated annual cost of $40–50 billion for the shipping industry and results in higher emissions.
By deploying robotic cleaning technology on a wider scale, NYK and Neptune aim to mitigate these impacts while contributing to international decarbonization goals. NYK highlighted that the partnership reflects its long-term strategy to adopt innovative solutions that improve operational efficiency and environmental performance.
The expanded cooperation underscores how technology-driven services can reshape fleet management. For NYK, the initiative strengthens its position as an early adopter of robotics-based solutions, while for Neptune, the collaboration provides both financial resources and industry reach to scale its operations.
As shipping companies worldwide adapt to stricter efficiency and sustainability requirements, the NYK–Neptune partnership represents an example of how advanced technologies are being integrated into large-scale operations. By addressing biofouling and fuel efficiency, the two companies are working toward improved competitiveness and environmental responsibility in global maritime transport.
