We are proud to announce our first investment in Sydney-based startup, Hullbot, a pioneering robotics company tackling one of the maritime industry’s most pressing challenges: fuel efficiency and emissions reduction through proactive autonomous hull cleaning robots. The Series A round was led by the American climate-focused VC fund, Regeneration.VC.

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Opportunity: Maritime shipping is one of the hardest-to-abate sectors

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Global shipping is responsible for more than 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions and consumes over US$140 billion in marine fuel annually. A key driver of inefficiency is biofouling, the buildup of slime, algae, and barnacles on ship hulls, which can increase fuel consumption by up to 30%. With regulations coming up, ship operators urgently need solutions that are both cost-effective and climate-positive.

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In this context, Hullbot stands out: it offers a scalable, cost saving, and environmentally responsible approach that aligns directly with regulatory tailwinds and industry demand.

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Solution: an award winning, free-swimming, AI vision-guided robot

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Hullbot has developed an AI vision-guided robot that autonomously cleans hulls, preventing early-stage fouling before it impacts efficiency. Unlike manual diver cleaning, Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV), or toxic antifouling paints, Hullbot’s solution is safe, repeatable, and enables frequent, low-friction maintenance. The extensive underwater AI capabilities enable Hullbot’s robots to clean hard to reach areas, including propellers, which is a key biosecurity requirement (and fuel efficiency element) that is unique amongst autonomous robots. Existing deployments have demonstrated fuel savings between 10% and 25%, translating into immediate ROI for operators and cutting emissions – these things can go hand in hand.

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Founder Tom Loefler and his team bring deep expertise in robotics, autonomy, and industrial design, and have already secured contracts and paid trials with ferry operators across Australia, the US, Mexico, and Europe. Their approach is differentiated by full-stack autonomy, remote operation, and a subscription model.

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Strong corporate validation, global execution, and container ship sized ambitions

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For Climate Tech Partners (CTP), Hullbot is a strategic first investment in Australia, unlocking both commercial outcomes and climate impact. Shipping is one of the hardest to abate sectors, and Hullbot advances decarbonisation without major vessel retrofits or capital-intensive solutions.

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In line with CTP’s industry partnership model, our due diligence included detailed conversations with corporates, spanning fleet owners, ports and experts in the field, which confirmed uniqueness, tangible results and strong demand.

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Our thesis is working with corporates as a key step to validate adoption trajectory, with feedback for Hullbot from both existing customers (like NRMA/Manly Fast Ferries) and trial customers exceptionally strong in this case.

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“By reducing our fuel consumption it is helping our bottom line, removing diesel pollution from Sydney’s beautiful harbour and helping NRMA meet its carbon emission targets.” NRMA

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This feedback along with Hullbot’s 100% conversion rate from trial to paying customer got us excited. Post investment, our aim is to activate our growing network of corporate partners across logistics and transport to accelerate global adoption and support Hullbot as it expands from ferries to larger commercial fleets.

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Hullbot embodies our conviction that practical, and scalable optimisation technologies can accelerate decarbonisation while also delivering financial savings in shipping and in other industries. We’re excited to partner with the team as they scale into the broader commercial fleet, where the potential for emissions reduction and cost savings is measured in the billions.

Since our investment approval, Hullbot has continued to validate our conviction in its vision and execution. The company was recently honoured with the 2025 Australian Good Design Award of the Year, historically awarded to an exemplary project across all design disciplines and categories. By outperforming global giants such as Tesla and Hyundai, Hullbot demonstrated not only world-class innovation but also its strength and ambition to breakthrough the industry.

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