Neptune Robotics

Singapore, Singapore

Founded 2019

About Neptune Robotics

Neptune Robotics is a Singapore-based Series B company providing AI-powered robotic hull cleaning services for the maritime industry. Founded in 2019 by Elizabeth Chan, Kate Honqian Ma, and Jacky IM, the company has raised approximately 9.4 million from investors including Entrepreneur First, SOSV, and HAX. Neptune operates hull cleaning by ROV at 60+ ports including Singapore, Shanghai, Ningbo, Zhoushan, Qingdao, Jingtang, Tianjin, Lianyungang, Guangzhou, and Fangchenggang. Their underwater robots use AI-backed operating systems to identify biofouling type and thickness, mapping customized cleaning plans for each vessel. The robots engage in "cavitation cleaning"—vibrating biofouling off hulls with high-velocity microdrops of water using cutting-edge cavitational waterjet technology that protects vessel paint while ensuring optimal cleaning. Unlike diver-based or conventional ROV methods, Neptune's robotic cleaners operate autonomously above and below the waterline, day and night, in both clear and murky waters. The environmental impact is significant: slime, algae, seaweed, and barnacles add drag and reduce fuel efficiency, with one IMO study finding that 0.5mm of slime covering 50% of a hull surface could trigger up to 30% increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Neptune has serviced over 700 vessels, achieving significant reductions in carbon emissions and operational costs. Partnership with NYK Line (since 2022) reports fuel savings of up to 10x the cost of human-worker cleaning. Neptune became the first to bring underwater robotic hull cleaning to Singapore at scale. Mission: achieve Net Zero maritime emissions before 2050 through AI and robotics.