On hold

We built zero emission cargo submarines.

Underwater transport solutions for gas and liquid using large AUVs - cheaper and faster to deploy than an offshore pipeline.

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What it was

Underwater transport for the low-carbon economy.

We built small autonomous submarines meant to move hydrogen, CO2, and similar cargo underwater - without waiting a decade for a pipeline. Cargo would pay for the trips; along the way the vehicles would collect ocean data and filter microplastics, so restoration could scale with the commercial work.

  • Transport

    Move industrial gas and liquid cargo underwater, on demand.

    Virtual underwater pipeline of autonomous cargo vehicles
  • Intelligence

    Sensors for ocean acidification and basic environmental data.

    Oceanways operations dashboard
  • Restoration

    Hull filters, based on fish gills, to pick up microplastics in transit.

    Illustration of ocean pollution and marine life

What it proved

We could build a working prototype, trial it at sea, and move toward commercial pilots.

  1. Esmeralda at COP26

    We showed the first prototype in Glasgow at COP26.

    Esmeralda prototype on display at COP26

  2. Pearl sea trial - Miami

    Pearl (OW004), about 50 kg, ran a day-long trial in the Atlantic off Miami, around Key Biscayne. The U.S. Coast Guard and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park supported the run.

    Pearl OW004 during sea trials in Miami

  3. On hold

    We paused because of strong headwinds for low-carbon solutions - customers cancelled related projects and initiatives. We may return to it if the market for those solutions is prioritised again.

    Oceanways vehicle docked beside a pier

Partners & investors

The record

Footage from the work.

Two clips from the build: COP26, and the Miami sea trial.

COP26 - Glasgow Esmeralda on the floor at COP26.
Sea trials - Miami Pearl’s first run in the Atlantic.