NYK Line, one of the world’s largest shipping companies, is doubling down on robotic hull cleaning, expanding its partnership with Neptune Robotics to scale the technology across its global fleet. This isn’t just another tech pilot—it’s a full-scale deployment, backed by fresh capital and a shared commitment to decarbonization.
NYK has been an early adopter of Neptune’s robotic hull cleaning since 2022, and the results speak for themselves. Neptune’s AI-powered robots delivered up to 10 times fuel savings compared to cleaning costs, slashing fuel use and emissions. Now, the expanded partnership aims to replicate those gains across NYK’s fleet, with even greater efficiency in the second phase.
This isn’t just about scaling up—it’s about aligning incentives. NYK joined Neptune’s $52 million Series B funding round, led by Granite Asia, signaling a long-term bet on robotic hull cleaning as a decarbonization lever. “We are impressed by Neptune Robotics’ highly efficient hull cleaning technology which maximizes protection to hull coatings and contributes to fuel savings and GHG emissions reduction, as well as compliance with environmental regulation,” said Hidehiko Sato, General Manager of Ship Business Group at NYK. “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.”
Neptune’s robots aren’t your average cleaning tools. Unlike diver-based or conventional remotely operated vehicle (ROV) methods, they clean Capesize vessels three to five times faster—above and below water, day and night, even in murky waters and currents up to four knots. The tech preserves hull coatings while delivering measurable fuel and emissions savings.
For Neptune, NYK’s early adoption was a game-changer. “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 decarbonization,” said Elizabeth Chan, CEO of Neptune Robotics.
This partnership isn’t just about two companies—it’s about setting a precedent. By jointly announcing the agreement, NYK and Neptune are sending a clear message: robotics-enabled hull cleaning isn’t just a niche innovation; it’s a commercially viable, scalable solution for the industry’s decarbonization challenges. If the shipping sector is serious about meeting its emissions targets, this kind of collaboration—between forward-thinking operators and tech innovators—will be the norm, not the exception.