Daily Update: Clear Robotics Raises $1.75M; AsiaPhos Pursues Data Centre Deal; SIA Engineering Launches $118M JV

CLEAR ROBOTICS RAISES $1.75M PRE-SERIES A FUNDING TO BUILD FLEET OF ZERO-EMISSION AUTONOMOUS SHIPS

Clear Robotics, a Hong Kong founded maritime technology company, announced that it closed a US$1.75 million Pre-Series A funding round to scale its commercially proven fleet of AI-enabled autonomous vessels globally.

Led by maritime-focused Shipsfocus Ventures, the round signals strong industry validation and includes significant follow-on investments from Katapult Ocean, SGInnovate, M7 Holdings MGS Ventures, and other strategic partners.

The company operates a fleet of 26 all-electric, AI-optimized unmanned surface vessels (USVs) that solve critical maritime infrastructure challenges. By utilizing AI for autonomous navigation and data analytics, Clear Robotics ensures high operational efficiency without manual intervention.

The capital injection will accelerate Clear Robotics’ strategic expansion into Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East. Funds will drive the development of larger unmanned vessels, advance R&D for automated port surveying, and scale proprietary commercial retrofit technology, preparing for open-ocean operations.

“This funding is a critical catalyst, accelerating our path toward becoming a comprehensive solution for operations and creating the world’s largest fleet of unmanned ships,” said Sidhant Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO of Clear Robotics.

“This new capital allows us to expand our engineering team, accelerate our R&D into automated port surveying, and build the next generation of larger vessel classes,” said Utkarsh Goel, Co-Founder and CTO of Clear Robotics.

“Clear Robotics is building a reliable, scalable operating system for the essential middle of the maritime sector. Sidhant and his team prioritize practical deployment over lab demos, iterating in real-world conditions. Execution is their true moat, and we led this round because they are building the infrastructure for the next era of maritime work,” said Chye Poh Chua, Managing Partner at Shipsfocus Ventures.

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ASIAPHOS ANNOUNCES PLANS TO ACQUIRE DATA CENTRE IN AUSTRALIA FOR S$7 MILLION

AsiaPhos Limited Monday said it plans to acquire Pier Data Centre in Perth, Australia for S$7 million. This proposed acquisition, when completed, shall be a decisive shift for AsiaPhos, expanding from commodity trading by adding stable infrastructure-backed revenue.

The Group is proposing to acquire a 51% shareholding in DC Alliance in this transaction. Located near the Perth central business district, Pier DC is a robust, revenue generating asset. It is currently operating a 2MW power facility with a 700kW IT load, the site is designed for modular expansion up to 8 MW to meet future demand. Pier DC holds a Tier III certification, ensuring N+1 redundancy and uninterrupted operations for mission-critical workloads. 

“We are pleased to announce a landmark acquisition of Pier DC. Pier DC is situated in Perth, Australia which is rapidly emerging as a key strategic hub for hyperscalers and AI-ready data centers, driven by its direct subsea cable connectivity to Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, along with the growing need for data sovereignty in Western Australia. Microsoft has recently announced a record A$25 billion (approx. US$18 billion) investment in Australia by the end of 2029.

This proposed acquisition positions AsiaPhos to create more sustainable, futureready value. Through disciplined execution and a phased expansion strategy, the company plans to increase Pier DC’s existing capacity to 8 MW. Once completed, the proposed increase in capacity is expected to drive a multiple-fold increase in Pier DC’s revenue,” said Mr Ong Eng Keong, Chief Executive Officer of AsiaPhos Limited.

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SIA ENGINEERING, SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES TO FORM JV IN SINGAPORE; TO INVEST US$118 MILLION

SIA Engineering and Safran Aircraft Engines have signed a joint venture  agreement to establish a full-fledged CFM LEAP engine shop in Singapore to provide Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul services for the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B. 

Under the JV agreement, Safran Aircraft Engines will hold a 51% equity stake in the JV company, with SIA Engineering holding the remaining 49%. The JV company shall have an initial issued and paid-up capital of $100 comprising 100 ordinary shares. SIA Engineering will subscribe for 49 ordinary shares in the capital of the JV company, at an aggregate subscription price of US$ 49.Further contributions to the JV company can be made in single or multiple tranches.

SIA Engineering’s further contributions will be up to an amount of US$ 57.8 million (out of which in-kind contributions valued at US$ 13.7 million can be made) and Safran Aircraft Engines’ further contributions will be up to an amount of US$ 60.2 million, bringing the investment by both parties to a total of US$ 118 million.

Mr Chin Yau Seng, Chief Executive Officer of SIAEC, said: “Building on our LEAP engine maintenance services agreement with Safran Aircraft Engines in 2019, the new LEAP MRO JV combines Safran Aircraft Engines’ OEM expertise and SIAEC’s MRO excellence, strengthening the LEAP maintenance network and enhancing SIAEC’s next-generation engine capability to meet global LEAP engine maintenance demand.”

“The creation of this joint company with SIA Engineering Company marks a significant step forward in strengthening our global MRO ecosystem to meet the accelerating demand for LEAP engine maintenance in Asia-Pacific,” said Mr Nicolas Potier, Executive Vice President Support & Services of Safran Aircraft Engines. “This new MRO facility brings together the expertise of both companies to provide world-class performance and reliable support, helping our airline customers optimise their operations.”