The 50 Most Innovative Small and Medium Enterprises in the Maritime Industry 2023

Airseas

HQ: France
Employee Count: 51-250
Year Founded: 2016

Airseas is an innovative wing for commercial ships, claiming to boost fuel economy and reduce emissions by 20%.

Notable for:

Showcasing its Seawing kite system in flight during transatlantic trials on the Ville de Bordeaux as it progresses towards commercialisation and further orders.
Successfully delivering its kite-assisted propulsion to a roro vessel. After lowering it to the correct angle for propulsion, sufficient traction to provide wind-assisted propulsion to the Ville de Bordeaux, the 5,200 dwt cargo roro operated by Louis Dreyfus Armateurs, was achieved.
In partnership with TimeZero, its eco-routing software optimised the vessel’s route by capturing the best weather conditions and guaranteeing the ship’s arrival time.

HQ: Israel
Employee Count: 1-10
Year Founded: 2018

Airwayz Drones is an uncrewed traffic management (UTM) firm. It employs patented technology to integrate airborne units with central cloud tech for realtime multi-drone flight performance.

Notable for:

Offering a fully autonomous system for drone management.
Completing a proof of concept demonstration at Ashdod Port, Israel. The demonstration was part of the 500 Global and PoA Innovation accelerator programme, which intends to incorporate modern technologies as well as sustainable applications at the Israeli cargo port.
Its partnership with the Port of Rotterdam to develop a U-Space Airspace prototype for two years, enhancing safety and visibility for manned and unmanned traffic in the port area.

Alpha Ori Technologies

HQ: Singapore
Employee Count: 51-250
Year Founded: 2016

Alpha Ori Technologies employs advanced technology to tackle logistics challenges, transforming maritime into smart digital enterprises with the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI).

Notable for:

Receiving an investment from Oldendorff Carriers to expand sales activities and product capabilities.
Its partnership with satellite communications specialist Marlink to enhance vessel performance and system monitoring through data analytics.
Securing over 1000 installations of its technology onboard vessels.

Ascenz Marorka

HQ: France
Employee Count: 51-250
Year Founded: 2002

Ascenz offers tailored smart shipping solutions for offshore, ocean-going, bunkering, and LNG sectors, boosting efficiency and sustainability.

Notable for:

Joining forces with Marorka to form Ascenz Marorka. The company targets fuel management and vessel performance solutions in Singapore and Iceland.
Achieving DNV type approval for its ShaPoLi solution, aiding IMO compliance for greener shipping.
Its partnership with Greenfield Marine for a holistic environmental, social, governance (ESG)-focused digital solution in the offshore industry.

Awake.ai

HQ: Finland
Employee Count: 11-50
Year Founded: 2018

Awake.AI is an open platform company creating a collaborative ecosystem for smart ports and autonomous shipping. Its platform offers application programming interfaces (APIs) for digitising ship and port activities and developing applications for maritime and supply chain companies.

Notable for:

Its involvement in the EU-backed project SEAMLESS, which aims to develop autonomous shortsea and inland waterway shipping over the next 48 months.
Its involvement with the Waypoint maritime accelerator to address safety challenges in shipping’s nearshore operations based on commercial readiness, innovation, and potential impact.
Receiving the AWS Foundational Technical Review Certification for its port optimisation platform.

AXS Marine

HQ: United States
Employee Count: 11-50
Year Founded: 2000

AXSMarine provides all-in-one web-based tools for ship chartering, serving brokers, operators, owners, charterers, and financial firms.

Notable for:

Its all-in-one dry bulk chartering solution, AXSDry, that provides users with access to various technical, trade and commercial details. The solution has more than 5,000 users across 300+ companies.
The recent release of AXSInsights, an interactive dashboard that provides a one-stop access to industry insights on commodities, AIS speeds, tonnemile analyses, and more.
Its recent investment in Nextvoyage, a voyage management system (VMS) provider. By merging platforms, the companies aim to improve connection between business goals, software, and datasets to help companies enhance their competitive advantage.

BAR Technologies

HQ: United Kingdom
Employee Count: 26-50
Year Founded: 2017

BAR Technologies provides design and engineering services across marine sectors, including superyachts, leisure marine, data & electronics, and renewables.

Notable for:

Securing a DNV type approval design certificate for its wind propulsion technology, WindWings. The technology can achieve fuel savings of up to 30% on average for newbuild vessels.
Its collaboration with Deltamarin to enhance the hull designs of large commercial ships for optimal use of wind sails.
Seeing the first ship fitted with WindWings from Cargill and Bar Technologies set sail on its maiden voyage in August 2023.

BASS Software

HQ: Norway
Employee Count: 51-250
Year Founded: 1997

BASS offers fleet management software, serving shipowners, managers, and offshore operators worldwide. It helps to ensure asset management, compliance, and financial efficiency through BASSnet systems.

Notable for:

Its Crew Portal mobile app, which has been adopted by GasLog LTD to enhance crew communication and efficiency.
CoolCo expanding the use of BASSnet fleet management software system, adding Vetting and HSEQ modules to its operations.
The update of its accounting software to add user interface (UI) improvements and additional functionality for workflow management.

Blue Water Trade Winds Pvt. Ltd

HQ: India
Employee Count: 51-250
Year Founded: 2002

Blue Water Trade Winds (BWTW) offers global marine, shipping, IT, and engineering solutions for enhanced product creation and financial success. Its voyage optimisation solution BOSS can improve fuel efficiency by between 4-6%.

Notable for:

The introduction of a smart Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) estimator aiding vessel owners in assessing operational impact and improving efficiency.
The launch of its LNG voyage optimisation system using hybrid machine learning and thermodynamic models for efficient boil-off-gas management, speed scheduling, and weather routing.
The expansion of its partnership with Shell for three years, offering BOSS to enhance fuel efficiency of the Shell fleet. Shell will roll out BOSS for LNG applications across its LNG time charter fleet.

bound4blue

HQ: Spain
Employee Count: 11-50
Year Founded: 2014

bound4blue is an engineering company offering wind-assisted propulsion systems that reduce emissions and fuel spend. The company has also designed a wind-propelled vessel that produces hydrogen and oxygen from seawater electrolysis.

Notable for:

The installation of two eSails on Eems Traveler, a Dutch flagged 2,850-dwt general cargo vessel owned by Amasus. The installation of these two sails marks the largest installation of fixed suction sails on a ship to date.
Its partnership with Marubeni’s subsidiary, MMSL, to retrofit bulk carrier Crimson Kingdom with four 26-metre-high suction sails, aiming to cut fuel costs, reduce CO2 emissions by up to 20%, and enhance Energy Efficiency eXisting ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings.
Its collaboration with Oceanking to promote wind-assisted eSAIL technology in Greece and Cyprus.

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Bunker One

HQ: Denmark
Employee Count: 51-250
Year Founded: 2015

Bunker One provides marine fuels, lubricants, and related services. It offers reliable supply solutions through a worldwide network of offices.

Notable for:

The launch of its first methanol-ready bunker tanker offering methanol as an alternative fuel for ships passing Gothenburg and Skaw.
Alongside KPI and PIL, Bunker One has completed the first digital marine fuels deal outside Singapore.
The ability to now provide bunker supply at berth and anchorage in Port Louis.

Closelink

HQ: Germany
Employee Count: 1-10
Year Founded: 2016

Closelink offers a cloud-based marine lubricants purchasing platform for streamlined communication, cost savings, and efficient supply management between buyers and sellers.

Notable for:

Multiple companies, such as BW LPG, an LPG vessel operator, have joined the marine lubricants procurement platform for cost-efficient sourcing and improved ordering processes.
Its partnership with StormGeo to integrate bunked and voyage optimisation software for enhanced efficiency and cost savings.
Its partnership with SPGCI to expand its product range towards a solution for global bunker procurement.

CyberOwl

HQ: United Kingdom
Employee Count: 11-50
Year Founded: 2016

CyberOwl enhances fleet-wide cyber risk visibility, offering early attack alerts, incident investigation, and simplified compliance with regulations such as IMO 2021 and the NIS Directive.

Notable for:

Securing US $5.1 million in funding to accelerate the adoption of its cybersecurity monitoring and analytics system, Medulla, designed for operational assets.
Winning an award from the Singapore government to develop innovative solutions protecting maritime systems.
Launching ‘Mind the Gap’, an initiative to bridge the great disconnect in maritime cyber management. The initiative is based around a series of workshops bringing together a community to share best practices and learn from each other in a safe environment.

DeepSea

HQ: Greece
Employee Count: 51-250
Year Founded: 2017

DeepSea Technologies provides artificially intelligent (AI)-powered vessel monitoring for shipowners, aiming for efficient 24/7 management and safety.

Notable for:

Its technology that provides free access to vessel data and evaluation tools for 12 months. IBM Dublin recently reported a 13% power prediction enhancement from wind turbine insights.
It’s partnership with Wallenius Wilhelmsen. The shipping company expects to reduce fuel consumption by 10% after implementing AI-based voyage optimisation.
Nabtesco becomes the main shareholder of DeepSea Technologies, backing AI progress in autonomous vessels and other sectors while advancing maritime software for fuel efficiency and emissions reduction.

Eco Marine Power

HQ: Japan
Employee Count: 1-10
Year Founded: 2010

Eco Marine Power develops renewable energy-based fuel saving and emission reduction solutions for various types of ships.

Notable for:

The launch of its Eco Ship Technical study related to renewable energy solutions for ships.
The development of EnergySail, which is a versatile sail device for increased propulsive forces, cargo operation protection, and energy savings in maritime operations. It allows ships to harness the power of the wind and sun in order to reduce fuel costs and lower noxious gas and carbon emissions.
The launch of its new device, Sailet. Salient can be used to increase the propulsive forces created by EMP’s patented EnergySail.

eConowind

HQ: Netherlands
Employee Count: 26-50
Year Founded: 2018

eConowind specialises in wind-assisted ship propulsion. It developed the eConowind unit with support from the European Union and regional funding.

Notable for:

Its collaboration with ONE, with plans to install two containerised wind assist units on a container feeder ship by the end of 2023.
An approved retrofit solution incorporating rigid sails, solar panels, batteries, and optimised weather routing which was endorsed by RINA for various vessels, offering a two-step investment plan for Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) compliance.
Equipping an NYK bulk carrier with the first eConowind’s sail.

EST Floattech

HQ: Netherlands
Employee Count: 11-50
Year Founded: 2009

EST-Floattech provides advanced lithium battery solutions for maritime and land-based applications, with more than 200 electric and hybrid projects.

Notable for:

The introduction of the Octopus Series, a versatile and type-approved maritime battery system with a modular design and user-friendly interface. It provides remote monitoring and safety management for diverse applications.
The delivery of two Green Orca battery systems, totalling 2.2 MWh, for the CO2-neutral event vessel Oceandiva London.
In February 2023 EST-Floattech was chosen by Swedish system integrator METS Technology. Its battery system will be installed during a refit of a Swedish vessel.

FrontM

HQ: United Kingdom
Employee Count: 11-50
Year Founded: 2016

FrontM uses Edge AI to connect seafarers with superapps and applications to provide communication for even the most isolated. FrontM offers telehealth, video calls, virtual events, ship monitoring, and enhanced virtual assistant Emma.

Notable for:

Successfully raising US $1.5 million for seamless ship-to-service connectivity.
Integrating ChatGPT for better crew connectivity using a low-code framework.
The launch of a new micro-app in collaboration with Stella Maris to help seafarers gain quick access to devotional messages and chaplains.

Greensea IQ

HQ: United States
Employee Count: 11-50
Year Founded: 2006

Greensea provides open architecture software, Opensea, for the next generation of ocean robotics. It aims to help marine vehicle autonomy and innovation.

Notable for:

The launch of its new product, Opensea Edge, which aims to facilitate true autonomy in ocean robotics.
Its collaboration with Blue Rung Imagine to develop augmented reality and virtual reality solutions for enhanced subsea operations.
Being awarded the Rising Tide Award at the Blue Innovation Symposium.

GTMaritime

HQ: United Kingdom
Employee Count: 26-50
Year Founded: 1998

GTMaritime specialises in maritime communication and data software, addressing the challenges of remote satellite connections and custom network environments.

Notable for:

The launch of version 4 of GTMailPlus to meet evolving maritime communication needs, offering secure and seamless email.
Its partnership with CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity software provider, to add its endpoint security services to the GTMaritime portfolio of maritime cyber services. This includes an artificial intelligence (AI)-based antivirus and remote management solution.
Celebrating its 10,000th vessel installation milestone in May 2022.

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Helm Operations

HQ: Canada
Employee Count: 101-250
Year Founded: 1999

Helm offers Helm Connect software for diverse commercial fleets globally, enhancing efficiency, insight, and compliance across operations.

Notable for:

Its integration with 10ure to launch a mobile licence verification platform with Helm Connect for real-time maritime credential management and compliance.
The partnership with Reygar to integrate BareFleet vessel performance monitoring with Helm Connect for emissions reduction by May 2024.
Its collaboration with Moxie Media to produce a training partnership.

Houlder Ltd.

HQ: United Kingdom
Employee Count: 51-250
Year Founded: 1987

Houlder is an independent design and engineering provider that is expanding into emerging markets like renewable energy and LNG distribution.

Notable for:

Its contribution to the Winds of Change initiative led by Smart Green Shipping (SGS), retrofitting an SGS FastRig wing sail to a large vessel.
Its collaboration with Shell International Trading and Shipping Company to identify, evaluate, and further develop solutions to accelerate the decarbonisation of the maritime industry.
Its partnership with Blue Sea Power to develop three innovative floating LNG-to-power barges.

Innovez One

HQ: Singapore
Employee Count: 26-50
Year Founded: 2004

Innovez One aims to enhance maritime supply chain efficiency through disruptive technologies and interoperability, optimising port call operations.

Notable for:

Its partnership with The Port of Cork to digitise and optimise port operations using marineM software, enhancing efficiency and reducing emissions.
Its collaboration with Aventra Group to create an advanced analytics dashboard for improved digital Port Management Information Systems (PMIS).
The supply of its MarineM solution The Port of Tanjung Pelepas to help support its journey towards digitalisation.

KPI OceanConnect

HQ: United Kingdom
Employee Count: 51-250
Year Founded: 1999

KPI OceanConnect, formed by merging KPI Bridge Oil and OceanConnect Marine, is a marine fuels service and solutions provider.

Notable for:

Along with PIL and Bunker One, the company completed its first digital marine fuel inventory statement using the Singapore Trade Data Exchange, showcasing its role in advancing maritime digitalisation.
Its partnership with ZTLment, which showcased its efforts to enhance carbon credit integrity in shipping through blockchain.
The development of “get fuelled”, which is a two-year trainee trader programme to help empower new talent in the marine fuel trading and shipping business.

Kraken Robotics

HQ: Canada
Employee Count: 11-50
Year Founded: 2008

Kraken Robotics is a marine technology company that develops innovative sensors like Synthetic Aperture Sonar, improving seabed surveys, and offering integrated underwater vehicles.

Notable for:

Securing a US $9.5 million contract for high-res seabed mapping sonar equipment in Asia-Pacific.
Receiving $16 million in purchase orders for subsea batteries, part of over a $30 million SeaPower order in recent months.
Receiving US $1.1 million worth of synthetic aperture sonar orders.

Maritime Robotics

HQ: Norway
Employee Count: 1-10
Year Founded: 2005

Maritime Robotics collaborates with civilian, governmental, and military partners to develop versatile technology for data collection from aerial to subsea environments.

Notable for:

Securing approval from Norwegian authorities for its technology to operate unmanned surface vehicles on the Trondheim-Vanvikan route.
The collaboration with The Port of London Authority (PLA) and University College London (UCL) to develop an electric remotely operated survey vessel equipped with advanced sonar and scanning systems, enhancing safety, navigation, and maintenance data collection.
Its partnership with Ørsted to develop the first uncrewed surface vessel (Hugin USV) tailored for offshore met-ocean measurement.

Metis Cyberspace Technology

HQ: Greece
Employee Count: 51-100
Year Founded: 2016

METIS offers comprehensive information intelligence for the maritime sector, utilising artificially intelligent (AI)-powered data acquisition and virtual agents to enhance operational efficiency and provide valuable insights.

Notable for:

Securing Bureau Veritas type approval for its ShaPoLi solution, which reduces emissions and fuel use. It also ensures compliance with the IMO’s Energy Efficiency eXisting ship Index (EEXI) requirements.
The collaboration with Sea World Management and Sea Globe Management to deploy its AI tools for Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) improvement and compliance.
Its partnership with DTN to enhance ship performance through integrated vessel routing API and augmented routing optimisation.

Mintra

HQ: Norway
Employee Count: 101-250
Year Founded: 1996

Mintra specialises in interactive safety training for the energy and maritime sectors. The company develops and deploys solutions that help its customers to develop its people, readily demonstrate compliance, and maximise operational efficiency.

Notable for:

Securing a 3-year contract with Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) for digital learning for over 20,000 seafarers via Trainingportal.
Its acquisition of Seably as part of its growth strategy in the maritime sector.
Its partnership with Fruno Maritime Training to expand its comprehensive generic and type-specific ECDIS portfolio training.

Navarino UK

HQ: Greece
Employee Count: 51-250
Year Founded: 1996

Navarino delivers efficient and cost-effective satellite communication solutions to global shipping companies.

Notable for:

Its partnership with Vikand to provide comprehensive remote healthcare through integrated satellite connectivity.
Its collaboration with Cobham Satcom to integrate SAILOR XTR antennas and global connectivity for flexible maritime solutions.
Partnering with Grace Management to deploy Starlink with Navarino to boost crew welfare and enhance operations.

Norsepower

HQ: Finland
Employee Count: 26-50
Year Founded: 2012

Norsepower aims to reduce shipping’s environmental impact through its Rotor Sail Solution technology. Its goal is to reintroduce sails to ocean transportation and drive towards zero carbon emissions in the maritime industry.

Notable for:

Its collaboration with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) to retrofit two rotor sails on a 200,000 dwt bulk carrier for wind-assisted propulsion.
Securing €28 million in series C funding led by Mirova, with participation from other organisations, to scale up production and expand its emissions-reducing sail technology.
The installation of rotor sails on the world’s first dedicated coal carrier, which reduced fuel consumption and emissions by 6-10%.

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Orca AI

HQ: Israel
Employee Count: 11-50
Year Founded: 2018

Orca AI improves maritime safety and efficiency through technology. By leveraging data and deep learning, it prevents collisions through a situational awareness system. This system provides real-time insights to crews while also integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to pave the way for the future of marine transportation.

Notable for:

Its partnership with TMS Group to enhance fleet safety. The platform has reduced close encounters by 25% and increased vessel distance by 19%.
Its collaboration with Marubeni to deploy SeaPods lookout system for improved vessel safety via computer vision and deep learning.
Its continuous work with Shell to develop a maritime navigation platform using thermal camera sensors for real-time collision avoidance and efficiency.

Portchain

HQ: Denmark
Employee Count: 11-50
Year Founded: 2017

Portchain employs data scientists, software engineers, shipping professionals, and consultants to harness digital potential in container shipping.

Notable for:

Welcoming Hanjin Busan Newport Company to its Connect network, enhancing berth alignment and communication efficiency through realtime updates.
Its partnership with Hapag-Lloyd for a five-year global deployment of Portchain Connect, streamlining berth alignment and boosting operational efficiency.
Port Houston has joined its network to streamline the berth alignment process with shipping lines.

Reygar Ltd.

HQ: United Kingdom
Employee Count: 1-10
Year Founded: 2012

Reygar offers integrated maritime performance monitoring solutions with its BareFLEET technology, combining marine engineering expertise and customisable support.

Notable for:

Securing InnovateUK funding to enhance BareFLEET with a Penguin International collaboration.
Its partnership with Helm Operations to integrate BareFLEET and Helm CONNECT for emissions and cost reduction in tug and workboat fleets by May 2024.
Securing Mainprize Offshore as a customer. It recently chose BareFleet to install on seven of its semi-SWATH crew transfer vessels.

RightShip

HQ: Australia
Employee Count: 51-250
Year Founded: 2001

RightShip combines maritime expertise, data analytics, and an intuitive platform to champion a path toward zero harm in the industry. With a global collaborative approach, it advocates for safety, sustainability, seafarer well-being, and emissions reduction.

Notable for:

The launch of RightStore, which aims to democratise industry data access. Departing from the subscription model, it offers pay-per-use options to users.
The collaboration with the Port of London Authority, using the Maritime Emissions Portal for net zero transition and emissions measurement within the port.
The launch of RightPORT, an advanced technology designed to provide data-driven services. This innovation focuses on enhancing port safety and crew well-being and addressing environmental concerns, ultimately streamlining port-to-port operations.

Saildrone

HQ: United States
Employee Count: 51-250
Year Founded: 2014

Saildrone develops wind and solar-powered autonomous surface vehicles. The company provides cost-effective, large-scale ocean data collection for various applications, including weather forecasting, carbon cycling, and climate change.

Notable for:

Securing an approval in principle (AiP) from ABS for its 10-metre uncrewed surface vehicle, marking progress towards classification for Saildrone’s vehicles.
Its partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to use solar and wind-powered uncrewed surface ocean robots to enhance hurricane forecasting, collect vital data for tracking, and predict storm behaviour.
An agreement with Austral Australia to collaborate on manufacturing Saildrone Surveyor in Australia for Indo-Pacific deployment.

Sea/

HQ: United Kingdom
Employee Count: 51-250
Year Founded: 2016

Sea/ is a comprehensive digital platform for the maritime industry, streamlining workflows, enhancing control, and creating commercial opportunities.

Notable for:

Its partnership with Sipchem to use its carbon module for voyage CO2 predictions, reporting, and contract compliance.
The acquisitions of MarDocs from Marcura expanded its chartering workflow management and documentation capabilities.
Its partnership with Maersk McKinney Moller Centre for Zero Carbon Shipping. The centre plans to use Sea’s data tools to aid its development of green corridors.

SeaARCTOS

HQ: United States
Employee Count: 1-10
Year Founded: 2018

SeaARCTOS combines disciplines for real-time emissions monitoring, replacing outdated intelligence gathering to combat climate change effectively.

Notable for:

Its emissions monitoring system, ARCTOS-1, which has secured Lloyd’s Register (LR) type approval for real-time emissions monitoring.
Providing a maintenance-free, managed hardware and 1-hour no-downtime install platform, making it easy to purchase and use straight away.
Its partnership with provider of voyage informatics platform, StratumFive. SeaARCTOS will integrate its exhaust sensor into StratumFive’s Podium5 voyage informatics platform, allowing easy installation and data integration for emissions monitoring.

Seaber

HQ: Finland
Employee Count: 11-50
Year Founded: 2018

Seaber streamlines maritime operations by digitalising planning, monitoring, and data sharing among stakeholders, enhancing efficiency and transparency throughout the shipping process.

Notable for:

Its partnership with ForestWave Navigation for automated operational processes, deploying chartering and schedule optimisation systems.
Its collaboration with Neste to optimise maritime logistics using data-led decision support software.
Wilson EuroCarriers rolls out its technology to enable the digitalisation of its fleet scheduling to improve efficiency and reduce costs and emissions.

SEDNA Systems

HQ: United Kingdom
Employee Count: 51-250
Year Founded: 2017

Sedna is a data-driven communication platform built to drive profitability in Maritime by enabling teams to make better decisions.

Notable for:

In 2023, its maritime email data platform secured US $42 million in funding from Insight Partners and GK Goh Ventures to expand its platform and develop new features like artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
Its partnership with ZeroNorth to integrate its technologies for optimising maritime email communication and turning data into actionable insights for voyage optimisation.
Its collaboration with Spot Ship, a company that provides digital services to shipbrokers.

ShipIn Systems

HQ: United States
Employee Count: 11-50
Year Founded: 2018

ShipIn offers real-time fleet monitoring, safety enhancement, and performance improvement through computer vision and operational analytics. Its holistic solutions bridge the gap between shore and sea, increasing vessel utilisation and trade predictability.

Notable for:

Securing US $24 million in series A funding to enhance maritime safety, security, and productivity through its AI-powered FleetVision platform. The tool alerts crews to real-time events and anomalies using computer vision technology.
Its partnership with Laskaridis Shipping to implement the FleetVision Platform, enhancing vessel safety and productivity through real-time collaboration between shipowners, managers, and crew onboard.
Its collaboration with Asian Bulk Logistics to install the FleetVision platform and use AI for real-time analysis of onboard CCTV images.

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Smart Green Shipping

HQ: United Kingdom
Employee Count: 1-10
Year Founded: 2014

Smart Green Shipping is a systems design house focused on developing viable emission reduction solutions for the shipping sector. It aims to retrofit existing ships with its FastRig Technology for 100% renewable-powered vessels.

Notable for:

Its collaboration with Houlder, on the ‘Winds of Change’ project to retrofit an SGS FastRig wing sail on a vessel. This was funded by the UK Department for Transport’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition.
Its partnership with Nuclear Transport Solutions to evaluate modern wing sail designs for commercial ships through the ‘Winds of Change’ project.
Securing a £1.8million grant from Scottish Enterprise towards a research and development project with a total value of £5 million, match funded by the private sector. This follows a previous £1.35 million from MOL Drybulk.

Value Maritime

HQ: Netherlands
Employee Count: 4-10
Year Founded: 2017

Value Maritime aims to reduce maritime operators’ environmental impact using innovative, financeable solutions.

Notable for:

Its partnership with Eastern Pacific Shipping to adopt its carbon capture technology on tankers to cut emissions, repurpose CO2, and meet emissions targets.
The installation of its Filtree system on JR Shipping’s container feeder vessel MV Energiser. Filtree filters sulphur and ultrafine particles from the exhaust gas.
The launch of its sister company, Value Carbon, focusing on shore-based carbon handling, reuse, and storage for shipping companies and factories.

VIKAND

HQ: United States
Employee Count: 51-250
Year Founded: 2010

VIKAND leverages its medical and safety expertise to innovate and provide advanced healthcare solutions.

Notable for:

Its partnership with SeaTec to introduce air purification solutions for ship operators to enhance environmental standards and optimise operations.
The announcement of its partnership with Navarino to offer remote medical care and mental health support using an integrated maritime healthcare platform.
Selection by Adora Cruises’ to run its healthcare operations.

Voyager Portal

HQ: United States
Employee Count: 11-50
Year Founded: 2018

Voyager Portal is a cloud-based workflow management solution for the bulk shipping value chain. According to the company’s founders, Voyager Portal was launched as a response to the communication challenges that overwhelm the maritime industry.

Notable for:

Its platform that helps bulk charterers reduce cost, risk, and complexity on their voyages.
The recent launch of its demurrage module, which automates data capture, analysis, and deduction calculations. The system automatically captures, logs and registers data from SOFs (Statements of Fact) to reduce the need for manual operations.
Securing support from some of the industry’s strongest venture capital funds and founding partners, including ATX Venture Partners, Techstars, and many others.

WAVE BL

HQ: United States
Employee Count: 11-50
Year Founded: 2015

WAVE BL offers a blockchain-powered digital courier platform that electronically transfers original paper documents, like Bills of Lading, instantly and securely. It caters to all supply chain members, from importers to shipping carriers and banks, with a mission to establish a paperless and efficient world.

Notable for:

Securing US $26 million in series B funding led by NewRoad Capital Partners, with participation from existing investors, aiming to accelerate growth and expand its team across sales, marketing, and R&D.
Its partnership with Leschaco to digitalise its House Bill of Lading transactions, streamlining the process for faster document transfers and improved connectivity across all parties.
Its partnership with Surecomp’s RIVO to reinforce digital trade finances and workflows.

Wavemaker Partners

HQ: Singapore
Employee Count: 11-50
Year Founded: 2003

Wavemaker Group is a cross-border venture capital firm based in Los Angeles and Singapore. It has backed more than 360 companies in 17 years.

Notable for:

Closing a US $1.8 million seed round with Singapore-based predictive maintenance platform provider Groundup.ai, with participation from SEEDS Capital. The funding will be used to help Groundup.ai develop its solutions that prevent unplanned industrial asset downtime and enhance safety.
Leading a seed funding round of US $5.2m for Pilon to develop its cloud-based supply chain financing system.
Its partnership with Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor (GWM) to help expand its brand in global markets.

Windward

HQ: Israel
Employee Count: 51-250
Year Founded: 2010

Windward analyses maritime risk, merging traditional shipping with data to aid insurers and agencies in reducing risk and optimising decisions based on actual ship operations.

Notable for:

The launch of Windward Vessel Fuel Consumption, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based tool that accurately assesses fuel consumption for voyages, aiding chartering decisions and carbon footprint management.
The signing of 18 new customers to its Ocean Freight Visibility solution to predict vessel and shipment estimated times of arrival (ETAs) with 80% more accuracy. Reportedly, this will reduce 5+ day ETA errors by 50%.
Its integration with Amital Data to improve cargo visibility, enhance predictions and boost real-time tracking.

Xeneta

HQ: Norway
Employee Count: 51-250
Year Founded: 2012

Xeneta offers a transparent, data-driven solution for global shipping procurement, enabling real-time price comparisons and informed decision-making.

Notable for:

The announcement of a US $80 million investment in the company at a US $265 million valuation.
The introduction of the Carbon Emissions Index (CEI) for container shipping, working with Marine Benchmark. The two aim to provide accurate emissions data across trade lanes.
Supplying the industry with real-time data on container rates.

Zelim

HQ: United Kingdom
Employee Count: 11-50
Year Founded: 2017

ZELIM aims to establish unmanned search and rescue as standard practice within the offshore industry, transforming distress response with innovative technology and three main products.

Notable for:

Securing £2.3 million equity investment for pioneering unmanned search and rescue solutions, including remote rescue vessels.
The development of the Guardian Class Fast Rescue Craft, controlled by Sea Machines Robotics’ SM300 maritime autonomy. This enables unmanned operation of the vessel employing Zelim’s casualty detection and recovery process.
Announced as a winner of the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership Development fund being awarded with £898K in funds.

ZeroNorth A/S

HQ: Denmark
Employee Count: 101-250
Year Founded: 2015

ZeroNorth drives sustainable global trade by collaborating with customers to optimise shipping operations and reduce carbon emissions.

Notable for:

The introduction of its Advanced Consumption & Emissions (ACE) API, which enables external charterers to utilise its fuel model to predict fuel usage and profitability.
Its Cloud platform, which has achieved a reduction of 443,780 tonnes of CO2, marking a 104% increase compared to the previous year.
Securing a contract with Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) to implement its vessel fleet performance optimisation and routing services on around 200 of LDC’s chartered vessels.