On July 22nd, the hottest day on record according to NASA, our portfolio startup Alicia Bots had the opportunity to demonstrate their technology at the Skaramangas Shipyard to senior representatives of the Greek shipping industry at an event organised by SeaDock Marine and NanoPhos. The Alicia Bots autonomous robot is designed for hull cleaning and underwater hull surveying, representing a step forward in addressing the industry’s environmental and operational challenges.
At lomarlabs, we are dedicated to accelerating the deployment of deep tech solutions within the maritime industry. We have opened our doors to startups like Alicia Bots and offer them access to our ships, industry contacts, and expertise. Our goal is to help these technologies evolve, test them in real-world conditions, and guide them towards commercialisation.
The Alicia Bots Roverclean is a lightweight and portable solution, easily deployable by the ship’s crew, making it highly efficient for routine hull grooming. Its unique ability to be launched directly from the vessel offers a practical advantage over traditional hull cleaning methods.
The issue of hull fouling, where marine organisms attach themselves to the hull, is a significant concern for the shipping industry. It causes increased drag, leading to an estimated 37 million metric tonnes of wasted fuel annually, equivalent to $25 billion in unnecessary costs. This problem is not just a financial burden but also a major environmental concern, contributing to increased emissions.
As we face growing pressures to decarbonise and minimise our environmental impact, innovative technologies like Alicia Bots offer hope for a more efficient and sustainable future. At lomarlabs, we envision a maritime industry that is clean, efficient, and in harmony with both people and the planet.
