Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Neptune Robotics to expand their collaboration in robotic hull cleaning, aimed at improving fuel efficiency and cutting carbon emissions across NYK’s global fleet.
NYK was among the earliest adopters of Neptune’s robotics-driven vessel cleaning, beginning its partnership in 2022. Initial deployments demonstrated that Neptune’s technology could deliver fuel savings up to ten times greater than cleaning costs, alongside significant reductions in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Under the new agreement, robotic cleaning will be scaled across NYK’s fleet in a second deployment phase, with expectations of further fuel savings and carbon reductions year on year. NYK has also joined Neptune’s US$52 million Series B funding round, led by Granite Asia, aligning both companies’ incentives to accelerate global deployment.
The partnership is set to bolster Neptune’s global expansion, providing wider access to customers and port ecosystems, including in Japan. Neptune’s AI-powered robots can clean full draft Capesize vessels three to five times faster than traditional diver-based methods, operating both above and below water, day and night, and even in challenging currents. Unlike conventional techniques, the process also protects hull coatings — a factor endorsed by leading paint manufacturers.
Hidehiko Sato, General Manager of Ship Business Group at NYK, said: “We are impressed by Neptune Robotics’ highly efficient hull cleaning technology, which maximises hull protection while contributing to fuel savings, emissions reductions, and compliance with environmental regulation. Through this partnership, we aim to contribute to decarbonisation not only across our fleet but also within the broader shipping sector.”
Elizabeth Chan, CEO of 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 that automation can deliver real ROI and emissions reductions at scale. Together, we are proving robotics is a practical, scalable pathway to decarbonisation.”
With this expanded collaboration, NYK and Neptune have signalled that robotics-enabled hull cleaning is both commercially viable and essential for meeting the maritime sector’s decarbonisation targets.
