Terry KS Neptune Robotics is expanding its manufacturing and R&D operations in Singapore to scale AI-powered hull cleaning and reduce maritime emissions. The move follows a US$52 million funding round and aims to boost capacity and innovation in sustainable shipping solutions.
SINGAPORE, 20 APRIL 2026 – Neptune Robotics, a specialist in AI-powered robotic hull cleaning, has announced a major expansion of its manufacturing and research operations in Singapore as it accelerates efforts to tackle biofouling in the global shipping industry. The move builds on the company’s growing presence across 61 ports in Singapore and China and follows a US$52 million Series B funding round led by Granite Asia in 2025.
Biofouling, the accumulation of marine growth on vessel hulls, remains one of the industry’s most persistent challenges, contributing to increased fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Neptune’s autonomous robots are designed to remove such buildup efficiently without damaging protective coatings, helping shipowners improve fuel efficiency and meet tightening environmental regulations.
According to Elizabeth Chan, Co-Founder and CEO of Neptune Robotics, the Singapore expansion represents a strategic step in meeting rising demand for sustainable maritime solutions. She noted that the company aims to help operators manage escalating fuel costs and emissions pressures through scalable, automated hull maintenance.
The new facility is expected to significantly enhance Neptune’s operational capacity, with plans to increase its local autonomous cleaning output by 400% by the end of 2026 and reach up to 60 daily hull cleanings by 2027. In addition, the site will serve as a dedicated hub for advancing the company’s proprietary AI technologies, including computer vision and machine learning systems capable of operating in harsh marine conditions such as strong currents and low visibility.
Neptune’s expanding footprint now covers 70% of Asia’s primary shipping lanes, positioning the company at the center of global maritime trade routes. Its robotic solutions are already deployed at more than half of the world’s international merchant ports, offering standardized and safer alternatives to traditional hull cleaning methods that rely on human divers.
Since entering Singapore in 2024, the company has experienced rapid growth, driven by increasing adoption among shipowners seeking cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solutions. By automating a traditionally hazardous process, Neptune not only enhances operational efficiency but also improves safety standards across the industry.
Neptune Robotics will showcase its latest innovations at the upcoming Singapore Maritime Week 2026, taking place from April 20 to 24, where it is expected to highlight advancements in AI-driven maritime maintenance.