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Seafar secures 5M to boost automated & sustainable maritime navigation
Antwerp, November 13, 2024 – Belgian technology company Seafar, a pioneer in automated inland and coastal navigation, has received five million euros in growth capital from the Antwerp-based family office Victrix. This capital injection provides Seafar with the opportunity to significantly expand its activities across Europe, strengthen its market position, and broaden its offering of innovative solutions in the maritime sector.
From its offices in Antwerp, Charleroi, and Duisburg, Seafar's team of 35 develops technologies enabling remote control of vessels, optimizing onboard crews. Seafar aims to position its technology as a key platform in shipowners' long-term strategy toward fully autonomous vessels, playing a crucial role in the transition to autonomous navigation.
Seafar works closely with authorities in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany to pave the way for automated navigation and actively contributes to regulatory developments supporting this innovative technology. Flanders leads Europe in legislation for unmanned and remotely controlled vessels, also serving as a model for other countries. By collaborating with policymakers, Seafar actively participates in building a legal framework that enables the introduction of "Smart Shipping" in Europe.
In collaboration with shipowners, the growing company is developing several remote operation centers, including one at A6K. These centers allow vessels to be controlled remotely from shipowners' offices. This innovation addresses the sector’s growing personnel shortage while enabling more efficient and sustainable navigation, aligning perfectly with the European Green Deal goals for waterway transport.
Automated and remote navigation offers a solution to the current challenges facing the inland waterway transport sector and plays a key role in the transition to sustainable, low-emission transport. With Victrix’s support, we can accelerate our mission and strengthen our position as a leading platform, helping shipowners in their transition toward autonomous and sustainable transport.
“As one of the most innovative players in the maritime sector, we have closely followed Seafar’s developments for years. We view Seafar as essential technology enabling the shift toward a more sustainable and greener inland navigation fleet,” states Basile Aloy, CEO of Victrix. “We look forward to supporting Seafar and bolstering their growth plans with our expertise and network in the maritime industry.”
