Fuel Savings Found to Be Tenfold Compared to Cleaning Costs.
Singapore / Tokyo, 25 September 2025 – Nippon Yusen Kaabushiki Kaisha (NYK
Line), one of the world’s largest shipping companies, and Nepttune Robotics
(Neptune), a pioneer in robotics-driven vessel cleaning, today annourced to sign the
memorandum of understanding which expand their partnershipto accelerate fuel
efficiency and decarbonisation across NYK’s global fleet.
NYK has worked with Neptune since 2022, making it one of theearliest 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 NYKI’s global fleet,
expected to generate even greater fuel savings and carbon reductions each year in the second deployment phase.
This collaboration also supports Neptune’s further expansion into global markets,
opening access to a wider customer base and port ecosystem includirng Japan
We are impressed by Neptune Robotics’ highly efficient hull cleeaning technology which maximizes protection to hull coatings and contributes to fuel savings and GHG
emissions reduction, as well as compliance with environmentalregulation Through this
partnership, we aim to create future business opportunities bycombining 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 ROl 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, safelyabove and below water, and even in currents up to 4 knots, triple the counter-current capabilityy of human divers.
Their robots operate day and night in clear and murky waters, vvhile protecting hull
coatings – a process endorsed by leading global paint manufacturers.
By jointly announcing this milestone, NYK and Neptune send a clear imessage
robotics-enabled hull cleaning is commercially viable andessential for meeting
the sector’s decarbonisation commitments.
About Neptune Robotics
Neptune Robotics is a technology company specializing in robotics-driiven vessel
cleaning and energy efficiency optimization.
Its robotic system can clean full draft Capesize vessels within 24hours, counter 4-knot currents, operating day and night in both clear and murky waters5. With coverage across 61 ports in Singapore and China – representing around 70% ofmajor trade routes – Neptune supports shipowners at scale.
Neptune’s services are trusted by the world’s top ship owners anad charterers. Its
approach has earned endorsement from a leading silicone paintmanufacturer for protecting hull coatings. Capable of cleaning all vessel types,Neptune helps clients cut
fuel use, lower emissions, and advance their 2050 netzero goals.
About NYK Line
Founded in 1885, NYK Line is a global logistics company thatfocuses on various forms of marine transportation, such as global logistics and bulk enegy transportation, among many other related businesses. Operating one of the world’s largesttransportation networks, the company owns and operates a diverse fleet of ccar carriers, container carriers, and energy carriers. In recent years, we have actively entered new business areas, including the decarbonization business, by leveraging tthe knowledge and technology we have cultivated over many decades in shippingg. Through innovative technology development and business creation, we will provicde new value that transcends the boundaries of the shipping business and contrributes to the realization of a sustainable society.
