Armada Technologies
Developer of a Passive Air Lubrication System (PALS) for maritime vessels that uses additive manufacturing to produce critical ejector components, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
- CEO / Founder
- Alex Routledge
- Team Size
- 1-10
- Stage
- Growth Stage
- Total Funding
- $3.2M
- Latest Round
- Seed
- Key Investors
- CoolCompany Management Ltd. (CoolCo); Ecochlor Inc.; Future Planet Capital (Blue Ocean Fund); Founders Factory (Blue Action Accelerator); Oxford Seed Fund
Technology & Products
Key Products
Passive Air Lubrication System (PALS) — a compressor-less hull air lubrication system for maritime vessels that uses a venturi ejector to passively generate microbubbles beneath the hull, reducing frictional drag and fuel consumption.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
PALS reduces vessel fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions without the need for energy-intensive air compressors used by competing systems, achieving 30-50% greater energy efficiency through passive bubble generation.
How They Differentiate
Unlike competing air lubrication systems (Silverstream, Samsung, Hyundai) that require power-hungry air compressors, Armada's PALS operates passively via a venturi ejector, eliminating auxiliary power demand. The system maintains bubble carpet integrity even in rough seas (where competitor systems fail due to roll-induced bubble escape), and provides a wider effective operating range across different speeds and draft conditions.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Ship owners and operators in the commercial maritime sector, including LNG carriers, cruise ships, and other merchant vessels seeking to reduce fuel costs and comply with IMO emissions regulations (EEXI, CII).
Industry Verticals
Maritime shipping / Commercial vessels; LNG carriers; Cruise shipping
Competitors
Silverstream Technologies; Samsung Heavy Industries (own air lubrication system); Hyundai (own air lubrication system)
Growth & Milestones
Major Milestones
Incorporated April 2020; 2022 — Named Poets&Quants Most Disruptive MBA Startup; 2023 — Named Green StartUp of the Year (North West finals, StartUp Awards); 2024 — First PALS installation on CoolCo LNG carrier Kool Husky (completed October 2024); 2024 — Closed $3.2M seed funding round; 2025 — Appointed former CoolCo CEO Richard Tyrrell as Board Chairman; 2026 — Signed installation agreement with TUI Cruises for Mein Schiff 6; 2026 — Used SLS 3D printing (via 3D People) to manufacture critical ejector components for PALS
Notable Customers
CoolCo (LNG carrier Kool Husky — first PALS installation, October 2024); TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff 6 — installation agreement signed for Q1 2027)