Commercial Operation in South Kalimantan, Indonesia
‘CHIRO’ Achieves Carbon Emission and Fuel Cost Reduction
Targeting North America, Europe, and the Middle East
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Underwater cleaning robot manufacturing startup SLM has secured overseas orders following domestic contracts. It is expected to continue its growth by steadily expanding its scope.
According to the industry on the 28th, SLM signed export contracts with Indonesia in April and Singapore in August. Subsequently, on the 25th, it shipped its first export robot to an Indonesian client. The first exported unit shipped this time will begin commercial operation in southern Kalimantan Island, Indonesia, starting December. The second unit exported to Singapore is expected to start commercial operation in February 2023.
SLM’s flagship product is the underwater cleaning robot ‘Chiro (CHIRO).’ It removes various foreign substances such as aquatic plants and barnacles attached to the lower surfaces of ships. Having proven its technological competitiveness, SLM expanded its presence last year by supplying Chiro to the navy, Samsung Heavy Industries, and underwater specialized companies.
Although Chiro’s functions and appearance seem simple, it solves complex issues such as waterproofing, waves, water currents, power supply, and position recognition. Globally, there are very few competitors, making the entry barrier quite high. In particular, SLM is evaluated to have the most advantageous structure and functions for commercialization.
Previously, cleaning work was dangerous and strenuous because about ten divers had to dive simultaneously. There were also issues with the aging of diving personnel and manpower procurement. Amid this, the emergence of Chiro is changing the paradigm in the related industry.
This is also connected to carbon emission issues. The maritime transport sector emits about 1 billion tons of carbon annually. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) plans to introduce stringent regulations by 2050. Efforts continue to improve ship engines, switch fuels, and install expensive energy-saving devices to reduce carbon emissions by 1-2%.
In this situation, using Chiro to remove biofouling?seaweed growing on ship surfaces?can achieve an additional 5-10% fuel savings compared to existing management methods.
Annually, 130,000 large cargo ships enter Singapore. Assuming just 1% of customers choose robotic cleaning, the company explains that demand for about 100 Chiro units would arise. For shipping companies, this means increasing operating profits through eco-friendly operations.
An SLM official said, “With technology accumulated over 20 years, the perception that ship cleaning means Chiro is spreading widely,” adding, “Chiro will bring a paradigm shift in carbon emission and fuel cost reduction.” He continued, “We will target major ports worldwide, including Southeast Asia, North America, Europe, and the Middle East,” and added, “We will present a new direction for the maritime service industry.”
Meanwhile, at the end of 2020, SLM attracted 3.5 billion KRW in Series A investment from Innopolis Partners, Devsisters Ventures, KDB Capital, and SB Investment. It plans to open a Series B investment round worth 5 to 10 billion KRW in the first half of next year. The company aims to establish a mass production system and achieve a technology-specialized IPO by 2025.
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