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Global warming demands large-scale carbon removal solutions to complement emissions reduction. According to Huiji Lee et al (2025) Human activities have led to a significant increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, with approximately 30% of this being absorbed by the ocean in the form of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). The ocean system is therefore an important buffer against anthropogenic CO2 emissions. In maritime industries (shipping, offshore energy, fisheries), seafarers and coastal stakeholders face commercial regulations (e.g., IMO net-zero mandates) and ecological pressure. Offshore users and policymakers need safe, cost-effective tools to offset their maritime carbon footprint with minimal changes to their operations.

Enter Gigablue, founded by Dotan Levy (Co-Founder & CEO) and Ori Shaashua (Co-Founder & CCO). Levy, with over 15 years of experience in deep-tech commercialization and an MBA, drives the company’s strategic and operational vision, while Shaashua brings expertise in scaling environmental technologies and forging global marine carbon removal partnerships. 

Gigablue’s Geo-specific substrate product enhances phytoplankton blooms in nutrient-limited ocean zones, boosting carbon capture and directing biomass to the deep ocean for permanent sequestration. This helps maritime operators by:

1. Generating verified carbon credits to offset maritime emissions.
2. Bridging regulatory gaps with immediate carbon compliance for IMO goals 2030–2050
3. Allowing operations without changing fuel logistics or vessel deployment.

Image credit : gigablue.co

Gigablue’s technology focuses on Marine Carbon Fixation & Sinking (MCFS) by deploying geo-opt

imized nutrient substrates in high-nutrient, low-chlorophyll ocean zones to stimulate phytoplankton growth, which naturally absorbs CO₂ and sinks to the deep ocean as biomass. It is designed for shipping companies, port operators, and corporations seeking reliable carbon removal credits. This approach is crucial because natural ocean carbon pumps are weakening due to climate change, and large-scale interventions are needed to help meet global decarbonization goals. The process works through four stages: AI-driven site selection, phytoplankton bloom stimulation, sequestration monitoring using sensors, ROVs, and echo-sounders, and post-deployment verification via eDNA and biodiversity assessments. By combining oceanographic data with strict monitoring and certification standards, Gigablue offers a scalable and verifiable solution to offset maritime emissions in compliance with IMO decarbonization targets.

Gigablue has demonstrated the applicability of its technology through several key case studies. One notable example is its partnership with SkiesFifty, marking the largest marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) agreement to date, committing to capture 200,000 tCO₂ over four years to offset aviation emissions, showcasing its commercial scalability. In the South Pacific near New Zealand, field trials deployed nutrient substrates monitored by echo-sounders and eDNA analysis, confirming effective carbon sequestration with no significant adverse effects on marine biodiversity. Additionally, maritime operators are exploring Gigablue’s carbon credits as a strategy to comply with IMO decarbonization regulations, allowing them to offset emissions without altering fuel systems or vessel operations. These use cases highlight the technology’s potential as a practical and scalable solution for industries seeking credible and verifiable carbon removal options.

Gigablue has successfully attracted significant early-stage funding to advance its marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) technology. In October 2022, the company raised USD 2.5 million in a seed round led by Foxglove Capital, Fresh Fund, ZORA Ventures, theDOCK, and GiTV, aimed at scaling research and pilot deployments. A subsequent follow-on investment in August 2023 from E44 Ventures (amount undisclosed) provided additional capital to expand commercial operations and secure large-scale carbon removal agreements. These investments reflect growing investor confidence in Gigablue’s potential to deliver cost-effective and verifiable carbon credits for maritime and global industries.

In early 2025, Gigablue also began collaborating with Puro.earth, engaging the industry-leading voluntary carbon standard to certify its MCFS methodology, marking a significant step in third-party validation. Furthermore, CSA Ocean Sciences provided key scientific planning and field support to Gigablue’s initial ocean trials in 2024. These alliances with both commercial investors and scientific institutions reinforce Gigablue’s credibility and capacity to serve major climate-tech clients.

Gigablue’s AI-driven, substrate-based MCFS approach offers a potent, scalable assistant to maritime carbon management strategies. It targets regulatory compliance, scientific validation, and cost-efficiency though scaling responsibly requires transparent monitoring, broader ecological studies, and evolving marine governance. For maritime operators and seafarers, Gigablue presents an actionable carbon offset mechanism one that aligns with future ocean stewardship and environmental resilience goals.

References

Buckley, S. (2025, January 29). This startup aims to restore the ocean’s power to store carbon. Sustainable Brands. https://sustainablebrands.com/read/startup-restore-ocean-store-carbon 

Lee, H., Noh, K., Oh, J., Park, S., Shin, Y., & Kug, J. (2025). Emergence of an oceanic CO2 uptake hole under global warming. Nature Communications, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57724-7 

Gigablue. (2025, January 14). Gigablue announces largest ocean carbon removal agreement with SkiesFifty, capturing 200,000 tons of CO₂. Gigablue News. https://www.gigablue.co/news/skiesfifty-200kton-carboncredit-announcement-gigablue 

Gigablue. (2025, January 30). Gigablue selects Puro.earth as its trusted certification standard to verify its carbon removal solution. Gigablue News. https://www.gigablue.co/news/gigablue-selects-puroearth-to-certify-marine-carbon-fixation-and-sequestration-methodology 

GreyB. (n.d.). Gigablue: Company profile & innovation highlights. GreyB. https://www.greyb.com/startups/gigablue 

Katapult VC. (2023). Cohort 2023: Gigablue. Katapult VC. https://katapult.vc/ocean/cohort/gigablue 

The DOCK. (2022). Investment portfolio: Gigablue. TheDOCK Innovation Hub. https://thedock.io/startups/gigablue 

CSA Ocean Sciences. (2024, October 2). CSA provides planning and field support for first carbon sequestration ocean experiments by Gigablue. CSA Ocean Sciences. https://www.csaocean.com/news/blog/csa-provides-planning-and-field-support-for-first-carbon-sequestration-ocean-experiments-by-gigablue 

Wieffering, H. (2025, July 3). Israeli startup’s unproven marine tech raises doubts about carbon capture claims. The Times of Israel. https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-startups-unproven-marine-tech-raises-doubts-about-carbon-capture-claims 

Contributor: Ariana Tri Asti
Reviewer : Imam Buchari, David Ratner