£750,000 Funding Boost for Edinburgh Startup ScrubMarine: Revolutionizing Ship Hull Cleaning with Autonomous Robotics
Innovative Solutions for Maritime Challenges: How a Young Entrepreneur is Transforming Hull Cleaning
The Rise of ScrubMarine
In a remarkable demonstration of youthful entrepreneurial spirit, Edinburgh-based startup ScrubMarine is making waves in the maritime industry. Founded by 22-year-old Rohith Devanathan, the company has successfully raised over £750,000 to develop autonomous robots designed to clean ship hulls, enhance fuel efficiency, and minimize the hazards associated with underwater diving.
Building a venture from the ground up isn’t easy, but Devanathan managed to secure this funding during his time as a student at Heriot-Watt University. The investment round was led by SFC Capital and PXN Ventures, reflecting a growing interest in innovative technology aimed at addressing pressing environmental and operational challenges in shipping.
Tackling Biofouling: A Hidden Cost for the Shipping Industry
Biofouling—the unwanted accumulation of algae, barnacles, and slime on hulls—poses a significant challenge for ship operators worldwide. According to estimates by Devanathan, biofouling costs the global shipping industry over $100 billion annually. The growth not only increases drag on vessels but also leads to higher fuel consumption and emissions, creating a substantial environmental impact.
“Biofouling is a hidden problem, but it’s a massive one,” Devanathan pointed out. “It increases drag on the vessel, which increases fuel burn. That’s a huge cost for operators, and it’s also bad for the environment.”
A Safer, More Efficient Alternative
Traditional hull cleaning methods often require dangerous underwater dives or lengthy dry-docking, making the process labor-intensive and costly. As Devanathan noted, the safety concerns associated with diving can be alarming, with fatalities occasionally occurring during these operations. ScrubMarine’s innovative autonomous robots aim to eliminate these risks, providing a safer and more efficient solution.
The flagship robot, aptly named the Turtle, uses advanced cavitation technology to clean hulls. This system employs microscopic water bubbles that implode on the surface to dislodge debris, all while preserving the vessel’s protective coatings. The Turtle also captures vital inspection data during cleaning, allowing operators to simultaneously assess the hull’s condition.
Weighing in at under 50 kilograms, the Turtle is considerably lighter than many traditional cleaning systems, which can weigh as much as a small car. This lightweight design facilitates easier deployment, requiring neither cranes nor support divers—significantly lowering operational complexity and costs.
Scaling Innovations for a Sustainable Future
ScrubMarine is also embarking on the development of a larger autonomous vehicle, the Whale. Designed to transport multiple Turtle units to offshore vessels, the Whale aims to operate independently of crewed boats or port infrastructure, expanding its applicability across various maritime sectors, including offshore wind, oil and gas, and superyachts.
The company’s ambitious forecasts suggest that they could achieve annual revenues of £56 million within five years, indicating a strong potential for scaling their technology across global shipping and marine energy markets.
From Student to Startup Founder
Born in Chennai and raised in Edinburgh, Rohith Devanathan’s journey into entrepreneurship began in his teenage years, building websites and small businesses. At just 17, he enrolled in a robotics degree, where he met co-founder Clyne Albertelli, who was also researching robotic systems for maritime use. Together, they’ve formed a team poised to revolutionize the hull cleaning process.
The funding round was also bolstered by the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, which supports early-stage companies in northern England. Notable private investors include Graham Westgarth, former president of the UK Chamber of Shipping, and Colin Greene, a former Apple country chief executive.
Looking Ahead
As ScrubMarine approaches the completion of their first commercial prototype, the company is gearing up for live trials with customers. The venture represents not only an innovative solution to a long-standing industry problem but also a commitment to safety and environmental sustainability.
In a world where automation and technology are becoming increasingly essential, ScrubMarine embodies the potential of young innovators to make significant changes in established industries. With the support of investors and a growing team, they are poised to navigate the waters of maritime challenges and deliver effective, sustainable solutions.
About the Author
Amy Ingham is a newly qualified journalist specializing in business journalism at Business Matters, where she is responsible for news content for what is now the UK’s largest print and online source of current business news.