UK-based maritime robotics startup ScrubMarine has successfully closed a $1 million (€849k) pre-seed funding round to advance its autonomous systems for underwater inspection and maintenance. The investment, led by PXN Ventures and SFC Capital, will accelerate engineering efforts and team expansion as the company prepares for its next phase. ScrubMarine aims to revolutionize legacy processes in the maritime industry by making underwater operations safer, more efficient, and data-driven.
Addressing a Costly Maritime Challenge
The global shipping industry faces a significant challenge known as biofouling, the accumulation of marine organisms on ship hulls. This phenomenon can increase a vessel's fuel consumption by up to 40 percent, costing the industry over $100 billion annually and increasing harmful emissions. Traditional methods for hull cleaning are often slow, labor-intensive, and pose significant risks to human divers, highlighting the need for technological innovation.
An Innovative Robotic Solution
ScrubMarine is developing a comprehensive platform that combines modular subsea robotics with cloud-based analytics to provide continuous insight into asset conditions. The system features a compact robot called the 'Turtle' that removes fouling and captures inspection data simultaneously. This robot is deployed and recovered by an autonomous surface platform named the 'Whale,' which eliminates the need for divers or costly port infrastructure for maintenance operations.
Strategic Investment for Future Growth
The funding round was spearheaded by PXN Ventures, through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, and SFC Capital. It also attracted support from strategic angel investors, including former Apple regional chief executive Colin Greene and Graham Westgarth, the former president of the UK Chamber of Shipping. This diverse backing underscores strong confidence in ScrubMarine's vision and its potential to disrupt a critical sector of the global economy.
With this new capital, the Cumbrian business plans to complete its prototype and push towards pilot deployments with major ship operators. The funds will also be used to grow its engineering teams in both Whitehaven and Edinburgh. According to co-founder and CEO Rohith Devanathan, this investment is crucial for accelerating development and making underwater maintenance a fully data-driven process.
Investor Confidence and Regional Impact
Investors have praised ScrubMarine for its innovative approach to a widespread and costly problem. Jess Jackson of PXN Ventures noted the company is a strong example of a globally scalable business emerging from the North of England. Similarly, Ed Stevenson of SFC Capital commended the team for combining strong engineering talent with a clear understanding of the operational realities of global shipping.
This successful funding round marks a significant milestone for ScrubMarine, positioning the company to transform maritime maintenance with its advanced robotic systems. By tackling the critical issues of operational efficiency, cost, and environmental impact, the startup is well-equipped to deliver substantial value to the global shipping industry. The company's progress represents a key step toward a safer and more sustainable future for maritime operations worldwide.