In a significant leap forward for maritime technology, Zurich-based Nautica Technologies is redefining hull maintenance with their innovative use of autonomous underwater robots. Recently, the company secured an impressive €3.4 million in funding aimed at propelling their technology into the commercial sphere.
Raising the Bar in Hull Maintenance
Founded by Cédric Portmann and Mina Kamel in 2024, Nautica Technologies strives to combat the costly and reactive hull maintenance processes in the shipping industry. With this new funding, they aim to provide a transformative solution through their advanced autonomous systems. According to Cédric Portmann, the mission is clear: to make shipping more efficient and environmentally sustainable.
Behind the Innovation: The Visionaries
Cédric Portmann and Mina Kamel, both alumni of prestigious Swiss institutes EPFL and ETH Zurich, brought together their expertise in underwater and autonomous robotics to form Nautica Technologies. Their shared vision has been to tackle biofouling—an issue that severely affects vessel performance by increasing fuel consumption—and provide a proactive solution.
A Game Changer in the Maritime Industry
Nautica’s fleet of swarm robots work collaboratively to continuously clean and inspect a vessel’s hull, preventing marine growth buildup. Unlike conventional methods which rely on manual diver cleaning or antifouling coatings, these robots promise minimal environmental impact with consistent operational efficiency.
Investment Backing for Sustainable Shipping
The funding round was spearheaded by b2venture, with support from angel investors and several venture partners. Jan-Hendrik Bürk from b2venture expressed enthusiasm about Nautica’s potential to redefine hull maintenance, aligning with the global demand for automated, sustainable operations.
Meeting Global Challenges Head-On
The global maritime sector is under mounting pressure to meet decarbonization targets and comply with new regulatory standards, such as the IMO CO2 Intensity Indicator (CII) and EU Emission Trading System (ETS). Nautica Technologies addresses these challenges head-on, offering significant fuel reductions and improved compliance with international regulations.
As the industry braces for stricter regulations, Nautica Technologies stands poised to bring a meaningful, greener shift in hull maintenance strategies across the world. As stated in EU-Startups, Nautica’s intelligent, proactive approach is anticipated to enhance the maritime industry’s sustainability and operational excellence, charting a new course for the future of shipping.