Neptune Robotics Invests $12M in Singapore Factory to Supercharge Autonomous Ship Hull Cleaning and Slash Maritime Emissions

Neptune Robotics, a Singapore-based leader in AI-powered robotic hull cleaning, has announced a $12 million investment in a new manufacturing and R&D facility.

This expansion aims to dramatically boost the company's capacity for autonomous ship hull cleanings amid rising demands for sustainable maritime operations.

Strategic Expansion in Singapore

Following a landmark $52 million Series B funding round led by Granite Asia in September 2025, the investment accelerates Neptune Robotics' mission to combat biofouling.

Biofouling, the buildup of marine organisms on hulls, can increase greenhouse gas emissions by 25-30% and fuel consumption significantly.

The company entered the Singapore market in 2024 and has since captured 70% of Asia's primary shipping lanes.

Its global network now spans 61 strategic ports across Singapore and China, servicing over half of the world's international merchant stops.

The new facility will house dedicated R&D for advancing proprietary computer vision and machine learning, enabling robots to operate 24/7 in harsh conditions like extreme weather and low visibility.

"Our investment in Singapore is a strategic milestone that will enhance our service provision to clients," said Elizabeth Chan, Co-Founder and CEO of Neptune Robotics.

This scaling addresses mounting fuel costs and emissions pressures, empowering shipowners to achieve greener operations.

By automating hull cleaning, Neptune Robotics eliminates dangerous dives for humans while preserving hull coatings and improving fuel efficiency.

The expansion will increase local cleaning capacity by 400% by end-2026, targeting 60 daily hulls by 2027.

Looking ahead, this positions Singapore as a hub for AI-driven maritime innovation, promising broader industry-wide sustainability gains.