CTM Invests in CRABI Robotics for Autonomous Hull Cleaning System

Monaco-based dry bulk pool giant C Transport Maritime (CTM) has made a strategic investment in CRABI Robotics, a US-based startup that is revolutionizing hull cleaning technology for the maritime industry. CRABI Robotics specializes in developing an autonomous hull cleaning system that targets biofouling while ships are in transit, offering a groundbreaking solution to a significant challenge faced by ship operators worldwide.

As part of the partnership, CTM will not only provide financial support but also serve as a pilot partner, assisting CRABI Robotics in bringing its innovative in-transit hull cleaning technology closer to commercial deployment. The collaboration aims to address the detrimental effects of biofouling, which contribute to excess fuel costs of $25 billion annually and add 100 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions globally.

CRABI, an acronym for Crud Removal Autonomous Brushing Instrument, is a cutting-edge robotic system that attaches magnetically to ship hulls, scrubbing away biofouling while vessels are underway. By eliminating the need for cleaning during port stays or drydock, CRABI offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution to maintaining clean hulls and ensuring optimal vessel performance.

The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based startup, founded in 2023, has already conducted successful sea trials in Boston Harbor, demonstrating the robot’s ability to maintain hull contact at speeds of nearly 10 knots. CTM views this collaboration as a significant step in its decarbonization strategy, emphasizing its commitment to supporting practical innovations with tangible fuel-saving benefits.

CRABI Robotics emphasizes that its autonomous hull cleaning system not only enhances fuel efficiency but also facilitates continuous hull inspection, ensuring consistent performance for ship operators. The system’s non-invasive cleaning process minimizes operational downtime and helps vessels meet increasingly stringent environmental targets.

Further trials are planned aboard CTM-managed vessels as CRABI Robotics continues to refine its technology and work towards full-scale implementation. This partnership between CTM and CRABI Robotics signifies a significant advancement in the maritime industry’s efforts to embrace sustainable practices and reduce carbon emissions.