- NYK, Neptune Scale Robotic Cleaning to Cut Fuel Use and Emissions.
- NYK Joins Neptune’s Global Push for Decarbonisation.
- Robotics Boosts NYK Fleet Efficiency, Lower Emissions.
Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), one of the biggest names in the shipping industry, has teamed up with Neptune Robotics, a trailblazer in robotic vessel cleaning, to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing their collaboration. This strengthened partnership is all about boosting fuel efficiency and driving decarbonization efforts across NYK’s global fleet, reports NYK.
Early Adoption and Proven Results
NYK has been working with Neptune since 2022, making it one of the first companies to embrace robotic hull cleaning. From their earlier projects, Neptune’s robots have shown impressive results, achieving fuel savings that are up to 10 times greater than the costs of cleaning, all while significantly cutting down on fuel consumption and emissions.
Scaling Deployment Globally
With this expanded partnership, they’re set to roll out robotic cleaning across NYK’s fleet worldwide in the next phase of deployment. This move is expected to lead to even greater annual fuel savings and more substantial reductions in carbon emissions. To back this initiative, NYK also took part in Neptune’s US$52 million Series B funding round, which was led by Granite Asia, aligning its goals for global expansion.
Market Expansion Opportunities
This collaboration will also pave the way for Neptune to break into new global markets, enhancing access for customers and port ecosystems, including those in Japan.
Leadership Perspectives
“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 regulations. 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,” said Hidehiko Sato, General Manager of Ship Business Group, NYK.
“NYK has been one of the earliest and most forward-looking adopters of robotic hull cleaning,” said Elizabeth Chan, CEO of Neptune Robotics. “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.”
Technology Advantages
Neptune’s AI-powered robots stand out from traditional diver-based or conventional ROV methods, as they can clean a full draft Capesize vessel three to five times faster. The entire process is fully automated, safe, and effective both above and below the water, even in currents of up to 4 knots, three times the counter-current capacity of human divers. These robots can work around the clock, in both clear and murky waters, while protecting hull coatings, a method that’s backed by leading paint manufacturers.
Sector-Wide Signal
With this joint announcement, NYK and Neptune are sending a clear message: robotics-enabled hull cleaning is not just commercially viable, but also crucial for achieving the decarbonization goals of the global shipping industry.
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Source: NYK
