Rotterdam-based Shipping Technology, a company in the maritime industry, has secured an investment from First Dutch and the founders of Platform Zero.
Shipping Technology, specialising in supportive tools for shipping, offers hardware and software designed to enhance safety, sustainability, and efficiency in maritime operations.
An AI-based technology for the maritime industry
Founded in 2018, Shipping Technology specialises in digital solutions that enhance navigation, sailing, planning, and safety. Its core product, the ST BRAIN integrates hardware and software to optimise nautical data, support autonomous sailing, and improve operational efficiency.
The company also offers up to a 50 per cent insurance discount for vessels equipped with the ST BRAIN.
Shipping Technology’s growth strategy focuses on expanding data capabilities for fleet management and advancing the digitisation of maritime operations through innovative applications and strategic partnerships.
Founding Partner, Remco Pikaart says, “Currently, the ST BRAIN is installed in more than 250 vessels. In the past years, we’ve not only grown our installed base but also the technology, developing reliable software that makes shipping, especially inland shipping, safer, more sustainable and more efficient.”
“Our short-term ambition is to quadruple our installed base in Europe within the next three years. For that, we needed a reliable partner who understands the business and enables us to scale up faster. First Dutch is that partner.”
Pikaart further adds, “Also, there’s a lot of synergy to be gained from the maritime network of First Dutch. Its founder Peter Goedvolk is of course a well-known maritime entrepreneur. We were impressed by the knowledge of the First Dutch team and look forward to growing our company with them.”
To make a ship smart, Shipping Technology integrates its ST BRAIN with the App Market. The ST BRAIN collects and securely stores data from all relevant nautical equipment in the cloud, providing significant added value. The App Market features AI-powered apps that process this data to enhance control, improve safety, reduce costs, and promote sustainability.
With third-party connectivity and API connectors, users can integrate fleet data with existing management systems to optimise performance.
Additionally, the system tracks emissions and offers CO2 and NOx insights through the ST dashboard, supporting environmental responsibility.
Capital utilisation
With this funding, Shipping Technology is set to enter its next growth phase, scaling up internationally, particularly in the Inland Shipping industry, and enhancing its products based on feedback from early adopters.
The company will also expand its team to support its growing customer base.
Brief about the investors supporting Shipping Technology
The First Dutch family of companies, led by Peter Goedvolk, prioritises sustainable progress through investments in clean solutions and infrastructure.
Known for supporting the digital and energy transition in the maritime sector, First Dutch provides ventures with strategic support, industry expertise, and a broad network to drive growth and impact.
As a strategic investor, First Dutch collaborates with Platform Zero, sharing their experience and knowledge to help Shipping Technology and other sustainable businesses grow and scale effectively.
Platform Zero, founded by Auke Ferwerda and Mare Straetmans, aims to create a better planet by scaling climate tech in the energy and maritime sectors.
Speaking on the investment, Ivo Lemmens, Manager of Corporate Development at First Dutch, says, “Shipping Technology is poised to make a significant contribution to both the digitisation and decarbonisation efforts of the industry. Their software enables shipowners to really make that change.”
“We want to contribute to the company’s growth and believe their vision and initiatives will shake up the sector. Moreover, we see a clear strategic fit with the rest of our portfolio. Therefore, we gladly deploy our funds and knowledge to support Shipping Technology in their growth ambitions,” adds Lemmens.
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