Zeroqu
Predictive hull performance that turns vessel data into timely, defensible cleaning and decarbonisation decisions.
Mission
Zeroqu helps the maritime industry build a greener and more sustai
nable future by combining maritime expertise, vessel-performance analytics and practical emissions-reduction guidance.
Problem
Hull fouling quietly increases fuel consumption, carbon intensity and regulatory cost. Yet operators often rely on fixed cleaning schedules or judgement because noisy operational data can obscure the underlying hull signal, making it difficult to time interventions and demonstrate their value.
Solution
Zeroqu Predictive Hull Performance uses a proprietary Fouling Exposure Index and vessel-performance analytics to identify developing fouling risk, estimate when the cost of performance loss is likely to exceed the cost of cleaning, and verify the result after intervention. The platform connects hull-condition decisions with fuel efficiency, CII performance and carbon-cost exposure, while creating a stronger evidence base for operational and charter-party discussions.
Market Opportunity
Market size:
TAM: The global merchant fleet comprised around 116,000 vessels of at least 100 GT at the start of 2026.
SAM: an initial serviceable market of around 62,000 vessels above 1,000 GT, prioritising commercially operated fleets where fuel, hull condition and emissions performance have material economic value.
SOM: Zeroqu is pursuing a focused, fleet-by-fleet entry through pilots, paid deployments and expansion across customer fleets rather than publishing a speculative market-share target.
Target customers:
Shipowners, ship operators, fleet managers and charterers, initially targeting organisations that need better visibility of hull and propeller condition, fuel efficiency, voyage performance, CII, EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime exposure.
Go-to-Market Strategy
Zeroqu uses a focused B2B go-to-market model: founder-led and consultative sales to shipowners, operators and charterers; vessel and fleet pilots that demonstrate measurable operational value; expansion from individual modules or vessels to wider fleet deployments; maritime-industry partnerships; product demonstrations; and technical thought leadership around fouling, efficiency, emissions and compliance.
Exit Strategy
We’re building differentiated hull-performance solutions that expand into customizable modules, backed by repeat business from a few large accounts and a growing marketplace. That position should draw strategic interest from classification societies, maritime software platforms, large ship managers and hull-performance and coatings players. Any such opportunity would be assessed against our own growth plans, most likely 18 to 36 months out.
Traction
Publicly supportable indicators include the launch of the Zeroqu platform, a growing product suite spanning emissions compliance, vessel and fleet performance, and turnkey implementation support, and an active company presence in the maritime market. Customer, vessel, revenue and growth figures are commercially sensitive and should be inserted from management records before external publication if disclosure is approved.
Founded in Rotterdam in 2024; developed and launched a live vessel-performance monitoring platform; established modules covering CII, EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime, fuel efficiency, voyage performance, hull and propeller condition and machinery health; and built a multidisciplinary leadership team combining naval architecture, ship operations, vessel-performance management, engineering, consulting and technology.
Business Model
Zeroqu operates a B2B software-and-services model. Revenue is generated through recurring SaaS subscriptions for vessel and fleet modules, supported by specialist vessel-performance management, engineering, implementation and advisory services. Commercial packaging can scale by module, vessel and fleet scope.
Primary investment areas are product and data-science R&D, proprietary methodology and IP development, secure platform and data infrastructure, maritime subject-matter expertise, customer onboarding and support, regulatory content, and go-to-market execution.
Financials
Zeroqu is self-funded/ bootstrapped company since its inception in 2024. Annually making recurring revenue around ~USD 100 K and expected to grow to USD 500K – USD 1M in future rounds.
Team
Nitesh Ranvah, Founder and CEO: Naval architect and founder and CEO of 21 Knots Group, with experience across ship design, operations, engineering and digital maritime solutions.
Amit Kumar, Co-Founder and CTO: Former Chief Engineer and former leader of Maersk vessel-performance activities, bringing more than two decades of maritime, energy-efficiency, emissions and fleet-performance experience.
Sivapriya Ramakrishnan, COO and CSO: Consulting and transformation leader with 18 years of experience, including work with Deloitte and Capgemini, focused on strategy, change and scalable execution.
Funding
Zeroqu is self-funded bootstrapped company under the umbrella of 21knots group as of now. We are open to funding from angel investors, VC and family offices. These funds will be used for GTM, team expansion and product development
Contact Information
Nitesh Ranvah, Founder and CEO
Email: nitesh@zeroqu.com
Amit Kumar, Co-Founder and CTO
Email: amit@zeroqu.com
Sivapriya Ramakrishnan, COO and CSO
Email: priya@zeroqu.com
This article was written by a third-party business or organisation. marinn.ai has not conducted due diligence on the company or organisation. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a solicitation.
