As the maritime industry undergoes rapid transformation driven by climate imperatives, digitalization, and automation, venture capital is playing a critical role in accelerating innovation. One notable example is Lomar Labs, a venture initiative launched in March 2023 by Lomar Shipping, itself part of the global Libra Group. More than just a traditional VC, Lomar Labs acts as a strategic enabler of deep-tech solutions in maritime by combining startup innovation with real-world operational assets including access to Lomar’s global fleet.

Headquartered in London, with international presence in New York, Singapore, and Bremen, Lomar Labs is led by Stylianos Papageorgiou, a former Technical Director at Lomar Shipping, alongside CEO Nicholas Georgiou, who was instrumental in conceptualizing the lab. The firm’s investment philosophy revolves around three central themes: safety and security, decarbonization, and the future of work in maritime covering autonomous navigation, onboard automation, and human-machine interaction. Lomar Labs isn’t just offering capital; it provides startups access to vessels for live trials, technical mentorship, and the credibility that comes with partnering with a shipowner deeply rooted in maritime operations.

Lomar Labs has already built a compelling portfolio of startups, each working on cutting-edge solutions for key maritime challenges. Seabound, for instance, has developed an onboard carbon capture system capable of removing up to one tonne of CO₂ per day with up to 95% efficiency. CargoKite is pioneering autonomous, kite-propelled micro-cargo ships with zero emissions, targeting launch by 2027. Meanwhile, Mythos AI is bringing intelligent autonomy to navigation with its system “Archie,” which has already been tested on Lomar vessels. Other portfolio highlights include BlueNose, which provides an AI-based aerodynamic retrofit that reduces fuel consumption, and Newlight, a hybrid hydrogen-diesel retrofit technology that can cut fuel use by 20%.

What sets Lomar Labs apart is its ability to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation. Unlike conventional VCs, it gives deep-tech startups a rare opportunity to validate, test, and scale within real maritime environments. This hands-on, asset-backed approach enables quicker iterations and stronger product-market fit for maritime technologies. The environmental impact of these efforts is substantial technologies like Seabound, Newlight, and BlueNose directly contribute to lowering emissions and improving fuel efficiency, while companies like Mythos AI and CargoKite push the boundaries of automation and alternative propulsion.

For maritime startups, especially those in the early or market-ready stage with a focus on operational efficiency or sustainability, Lomar Labs represents more than a funding source it is a strategic partner with infrastructure, expertise, and long-term vision. That said, scaling deep-tech in maritime isn’t without its challenges: regulatory inertia, long vessel retrofit cycles, and risk-averse customers can slow deployment. However, Lomar Labs’ model rooted in direct application and close collaboration offers a roadmap for overcoming these hurdles.

For founders in deep-tech maritime, there’s no question that Lomar Labs is a name to know thanks to its positioning as a unique force in maritime innovation, strategically placed at the intersection of venture capital and real-world shipping operations. By blending funding with functional testbeds and industry expertise, Lomar Labs is helping shape a smarter, cleaner, and more resilient maritime future. 

Contributor : Imam Buchari
Reviewer : David Ratner