Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), one of the world’s largest shipping companies, and Neptune Robotics (Neptune), a pioneer in robotics-driven vessel cleaning, today announced to sign the memorandum of understanding which expand their partnership to accelerate fuel efficiency and decarbonisation across NYK’s global fleet.

NYK has worked with Neptune since 2022, making it one of the earliest adopters of Neptune’s robotic hull cleaning. From earlier deployments, Neptune’s robots delivered up to 10x fuel savings compared to cleaning costs, with significant reductions in fuel use and emissions.
The expanded partnership will now scale robotic cleaning across NYK’s global fleet, expected to generate even greater fuel savings and carbon reductions each year in the second deployment phase. As part of this push, NYK also joined Neptune’s US$52 million Series B funding round led by Granite Asia, aligning incentives to scale deployment globally.
This collaboration also supports Neptune’s further expansion into global markets, opening access to a wider customer base and port ecosystem including Japan.

“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 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.”

Unlike diver-based or conventional ROV methods, Neptune’s AI-powered robots clean a full draft Capesize vessel 3-5 times faster, automatically, safely, above and below water, and even in currents up to 4 knots, triple the counter-current capability of human divers. Their robots operate day and night in clear and murky waters, while protecting hull coatings — a process endorsed by leading global paint manufacturers.

By jointly announcing this milestone, NYK and Neptune send a clear message: robotics-enabled hull cleaning is commercially viable and essential for meeting the sector’s decarbonisation commitments.

Neptune Robotics is a technology company specializing in robotics-driven vessel cleaning and energy efficiency optimization.
Its robotic system can clean full draft Capesize vessels within 24 hours, counter 4-knot currents, operating day and night in both clear and murky waters. With coverage across 61 ports in Singapore and China — representing around 70% of major trade routes — Neptune supports shipowners at scale.
Neptune’s services are trusted by the world's top ship owners and charterers. Its approach has earned endorsement from a leading silicone paint manufacturer for protecting hull coatings. Capable of cleaning all vessel types, Neptune helps clients cut fuel use, lower emissions, and advance their 2050 net-zero goals.

Founded in 1885, NYK Line is a global logistics company that focuses on various forms of marine transportation, such as global logistics and bulk energy transportation, among many other related businesses. Operating one of the world's largest transportation networks, the company owns and operates a diverse fleet of car carriers, container carriers, and energy carriers. In recent years, we have actively entered new business areas, including the decarbonization business, by leveraging the knowledge and technology we have cultivated over many decades in shipping. Through innovative technology development and business creation, we will provide new value that transcends the boundaries of the shipping business and contributes to the realization of a sustainable society.