Fleetzero, a Houston-based maritime tech startup, is making waves with a $43 million Series A funding round and a bold vision for zero-emission shipping. The round, led by Obvious Ventures and backed by heavyweights like Maersk Growth and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, will fuel the expansion of Fleetzero’s Leviathan hybrid and electric marine propulsion system. This tech isn’t just for show—it’s already been retrofitted and tested on the Pacific Joule and deployed on commercial vessels globally.
The Leviathan system is a game-changer, optimized for high-energy and zero-emission operation of large vessels. It leverages EV technology but is ruggedized for maritime environments, offering hybrid or all-electric functions for both new and existing ships. With this funding, Fleetzero plans to ramp up production, bringing its vision of clean, safe, and cost-effective shipping closer to reality.
Andrew Beebe, managing director at Obvious Ventures, captured the excitement: “Fleetzero is making robotic ships a reality today. The team is moving us from dirty, dangerous, and expensive to clean, safe, and cost-effective. It’s like watching the future today.” Beebe’s enthusiasm underscores the potential Fleetzero sees in transforming the maritime industry. The company isn’t just developing technology; it’s scaling with real ships and customers, not just renderings.
Fleetzero’s ambitions don’t stop at propulsion. The company is also diving into unmanned cargo vessel technology, aiming to revolutionize maritime logistics with autonomous ships. This dual focus on zero-emission propulsion and autonomy positions Fleetzero at the forefront of maritime innovation.
To support its growth, Fleetzero has opened a new manufacturing and R&D facility in Houston, which will serve as its headquarters. The facility is a hub of innovation, featuring a marine robotics and autonomy lab, a marine propulsion R&D center, and a production line with a capacity of 300 megawatt-hours per year. Fleetzero plans to scale production to three gigawatt-hours per year over the next five years, a testament to its aggressive growth strategy.
Mike Carter, co-founder and COO of Fleetzero, highlighted Houston’s strategic advantage: “Houston has the people who know how to build and operate big hardware—ships, rigs, refineries, and power systems. We’re pairing that industrial DNA with modern batteries, autonomy, and software to bring back shipbuilding to the U.S.” This blend of traditional maritime expertise and cutting-edge technology could redefine the industry, making the U.S. a leader in sustainable shipbuilding.
Fleetzero’s journey is just beginning, but with significant funding, a robust R&D facility, and a clear vision for the future, it’s poised to make a substantial impact. As the maritime industry grapples with the challenges of decarbonization and automation, Fleetzero’s innovations could set the standard for a cleaner, safer, and more efficient future at sea.