CAIRO, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BLUETTI, a global leader in clean energy storage solutions, has entered into a strategic partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) at the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Cairo, held from November 4–8. This strategic collaboration aims to accelerate clean energy adoption and sustainable development in Africa.
The WUF12, themed "It All Starts at Home: Local actions for sustainable cities and communities", highlights urgent local actions needed to address issues like affordable housing, climate change, rising living costs, and the lack of basic services. This theme align closely with BLUETTI's mission to create a better world through sustainable energy. The focus on local action is particularly relevant in Africa, where millions of people still lack reliable electricity. Limited power access constrains daily life, hampers education and job opportunities, and perpetuates poverty across the continent.
In response to these challenges, BLUETTI and UN-Habitat signed a "Technology Transfer" Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the forum to speed up the introduction of renewable energy technologies in Africa. Key initiatives under this MOU include training electricians and providing clean energy education through BLUETTI's "Lighting An African Family'' (LAAF) program. By equipping communities with skills and knowledge, BLUETTI and UN-Habitat seek to empower African communities to embrace sustainable energy and strengthen local energy resilience.
"This collaboration with UN-Habitat represents a significant milestone in our mission to advance sustainable development across Africa," said Liting Huang, LAAF Program Manager. " Since 2021, our LAAF program has empowered over 15,000 off-grid families with solar power. This time, we plan to provide comprehensive training to 30,000-50,000 residents and students in Sub-Saharan African countries. We are thrilled to expand these efforts to uplift even more communities through renewable energy and education."
Through this partnership, BLUETTI strives to make a transformative impact in Africa by equipping local communities with sustainable energy solutions and vital knowledge, paving the way for a brighter, more resilient future.
About BLUETTI
As a technology pioneer in clean energy, BLUETTI is committed to a sustainable future by providing affordable green energy storage solutions for both indoor and outdoor use. Through initiatives like the LAAF program, BLUETTI is dedicated to bringing power to 1 million African families in off-grid areas. With a strong focus on innovation and customer needs, BLUETTI has established itself as a trusted industry leader in over 110 countries and regions.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
BLUETTI and UN-Habitat Forge Partnership to Promote Clean Energy and Sustainable Development Across Africa
The first to bring underwater robotic hull cleaning to Singapore at scale
China-Singapore connection covers more than half of international merchant vessel stops
SINGAPORE, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Neptune Robotics, a pioneer in AI-powered robotic hull cleaning services, has expanded to Singapore becoming the first industry player capable of supporting shipowners and operators along China-Singapore shipping routes.
The deep tech company enters Singapore with a proprietary fleet of six underwater robots that can clean in extreme ocean conditions with an environmentally-friendly debris collection system. The move also makes Neptune Robotics the first company to bring robotic hull cleaning capabilities to Singapore at scale to support the country's vibrant shipping industry.
In a Bloomberg Originals documentary on how Neptune Robotics is helping the shipping industry save on fuel through technology-driven biofoul management, Elizabeth Chan, Co-founder and CEO, said, "Neptune is first robotic hull cleaner that works in extreme environments 24/7...[servicing] Panamax and Capesize bulk carrier berths."
Since starting commercial operations in 2020, Neptune Robotics' cleaning services expanded rapidly to 60 ports in Asia and are endorsed by some of the world's largest liners, shipowners and operators. By adding Singapore, the company now provides service coverage for more than 55% of the international merchant vessel stops. With a current fleet of six robots, the company aims to clean approximately 800 vessels over the next 12 months in Singapore.
"Many key clients have been asking for our services in this important market. Our presence in Singapore places us firmly along key international shipping routes, providing shipowners with assurance of standardized high quality vessel cleaning across the China-Singapore corridor," Chan explained.
Boosting underwater hull cleaning efficiency
Countering currents is extremely important for underwater hull cleaning. Neptune has raised the industry standard from countering 1 knot to 4 knots of underwater current using its proprietary robots - Magneto. This allows for 24-hour a day cleaning – no down time – when operating in anchorages, compared to the 4 hours a day of traditional cleaning by divers.
Biofouling – the collection of algae, seaweed, barnacles and other organisms on vessels – is a major problem for vessel operators globally and contributes to operation inefficiencies and increased fuel requirements. The company's technology ensures over 95% biofouling removal, improving vessel performance while reducing operational risks and environmental impact.
Reducing maritime carbon emissions
Maritime shipping is a major contributor to global emissions, emitting around one billion tons of carbon dioxide per year. A 2022 study co-authored by the International Maritime Organization found that even a thin biofouling layer on just half a ship's hull can increase ship emissions by as much as 30%. By removing the biofouling, Neptune Robotics' technology contributes to maritime decarbonization at scale in an economic manner.
Alongside alleviating potential environmental impact by reducing discharge from manual cleaning processes, Neptune Robotics' advantage over traditional hull cleaning also includes minimizing safety hazards and ensuring consistent and transparent cleaning quality.
"Our technology has been ranked first among robotic hull cleaning solutions in countering strong ocean currents, providing complete hull coverage including above waterline cleaning and hull coating protection, and we are constantly improving to provide clients with the most efficient solutions," added Chan.
Neptune Robotics' leadership brings together a unique set of skills that have kept the company at the cutting edge of innovation. The move to Singapore is to accelerate this momentum and continue to push boundaries in the industry.
The company's Singapore team will be led by maritime veteran Johnson Teng as head of operations.
About Neptune Robotics
Neptune Robotics, a trailblazer in maritime technology, specializes in advanced robotic solutions for hull cleaning and algorithm solutions for biofouling management. Neptune Robotics operates in 60 ports in Asia and employs 120 people. Since its inception in 2020, Neptune's robots have helped the shipping industry avoid around 1 million tons of CO2 emissions. In April 2022 it raised US$17.25 million from Sequoia Capital, SOSV, and Matrix Partners. Neptune Robotics ranked first place with its groundbreaking robotic hull cleaning technology in StartUs Insights' 2024 report entitled "Worldwide 5 Top Robotics Startups Impacting The Maritime Industry".
Company website: Neptune Robotics | ROV Underwater Hull Cleaning
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Neptune Robotics Adds Singapore to Asia Service Network as Demand for Multi-Port Vessel Cleaning Rises
