Cargill joins the Singapore MPA Innovation Programme as a test-bedding partner for Neptune to support its decarbonisation goals.
SINGAPORE, 2 November 2026 — Cargill, one of the world’s largest dry bulk operators, and Neptune Robotics (“Neptune”), a pioneer in AI-powered robotic hull cleaning services with a presence in 61 ports across Singapore and China, have entered into an 18-month partnership under the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s (“MPA”) In-Water Hull Inspection & Cleaning Innovation Programme. Through the programme, Neptune will provide robotic hull cleaning and decarbonisation services for Cargill vessels calling at the Port of Singapore.
The programme brings a range of next-generation in-water robotic hull inspection and cleaning technologies into managed trials under live operating conditions. It is supported by MPA’s Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund for research and development. Neptune was one of six participants selected by MPA in April 2026 to advance these solutions and support their wider adoption.
Having worked with Neptune Robotics for more than four years, Cargill is actively supporting the programme partnership by providing guidance and feedback on Neptune’s next-generation robots, software and Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models for Cargill’s operations. The companies will evaluate operating procedures, cleaning efficiency and the effectiveness of data from Neptune’s robots, while advancing Cargill’s commitments to maritime decarbonisation, energy efficiency and biofouling management.
The partnership will focus on three areas:
– Fuel savings and decarbonisation: measuring reductions in fuel consumption through before-and-after performance analysis, supporting Cargill’s net-zero ambitions.
– Robotic hull cleaning: deploying AI-enabled remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for in-water hull cleaning.
– Robotic inspection: delivering detailed hull condition assessments supported by AI-based data analysis.
Elizabeth Chan, Co-Founder and CEO of Neptune Robotics, said: “As one of the world’s busiest ports, Singapore is an ideal place to prove what next-generation hull cleaning can do. A partner of Cargill’s scale and calibre provides a range of operating conditions that will generate meaningful results for the wider industry. With MPA’s regulatory leadership, we will demonstrate that robotic cleaning is ready to deliver safely, consistently and at scale. We look forward to working deeply with Cargill and the MPA with our pipeline of new robots and AI applications. This programme accelerates our vision of autonomous, data-driven hull cleaning as the new industry norm.”
Ying Ying Lim, Vice President of Cargill Ocean Transportation, APAC, said: “Our partnership with Neptune reflects Cargill’s ambition to improve vessel efficiency today while supporting the longer-term decarbonization of global ocean supply chains. By providing vessels and operational experience for these pilots, we can help build clear evidence of how robotic cleaning can be deployed safely, consistently and at scale. Working with MPA and Neptune brings together operational expertise, regulatory oversight and emerging technology in one of the world’s most important maritime hubs.”
Marine growth on ship hulls raises fuel consumption and emissions. Biofouling can increase a ship’s greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30 per cent¹, depending on vessel characteristics and conditions. Within the Port of Singapore, this partnership will contribute operational evidence to MPA’s wider In-Water Hull Inspection & Cleaning Innovation Programme, including safety, efficiency, cost-effectiveness and environmental impact, to support responsible deployment at scale.
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About Neptune Robotics
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, and operate 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 five bulk carrier and container ship fleets. 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.
In September 2025, Neptune raised US$52 million in Series B funding led by Granite Asia to drive R&D, new robotic systems, and global expansion. Neptune was recognized on the Forbes Asia 100 To Watch list in 2026.
Company website: Neptune Robotics | ROV Underwater Hull Cleaning
https://neptune-robotics.com
¹ GloFouling Partnerships, Analysing the Impact of Marine Biofouling on the Energy Efficiency of Ships and the GHG Abatement Potential of Biofouling Management Measures
