The Baltic, North Sea, and European Arctic waters are currently experiencing unprecedented threats, heightening the demand for continuous maritime domain awareness. Saildrone’s unmanned surface vehicles, equipped with advanced sensors and proprietary AI algorithms, provide comprehensive monitoring of maritime environments, both above and below the surface.
Richard Jenkins, founder and CEO of Saildrone, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “I am thrilled to partner with EIFO and the Danish government to establish Saildrone’s European headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark.” He emphasised Denmark’s strategic location as an ideal base, saying, “Denmark’s unique geographic and political position at the heart of northern Europe makes it the perfect place to establish our European headquarters and operational hub.”
Initially collaborating with the Danish Armed Forces, Saildrone plans to expand its maritime intelligence services to multiple NATO countries within the year. Jenkins outlined the company’s vision: “Our goal is to provide 24/7, year-round coverage for all critical infrastructure within the Baltic and North Sea, safeguarding these highly valuable installations for current and future generations.”
The financing round also saw participation from existing investors Lux Capital, Washington Harbor Partners, Crowley, and Academy Securities. New investors Pinegrove, BZH Capital, What If Ventures, and Calm Ventures also joined the effort.
EIFO’s CEO, Peder Lundquist, expressed satisfaction with the investment and Denmark’s pivotal role, stating, “We are thrilled to invest in Saildrone and subsequently that Denmark has been chosen as the centre for Saildrone’s European activities. Saildrone is a leading company in a rapidly growing market, and gaining access to this technology can become critical for both Denmark’s and Europe’s security.”
Lundquist also highlighted the potential benefits of Saildrone’s technology, pointing out that it could significantly enhance Denmark’s defence industry and help address challenges related to Arctic surveillance and countering sabotage in Danish waters, all at a fraction of the cost of conventional patrol ships.
The first four Saildrone Voyagers are set to be deployed in the Baltic Sea in June 2025, under a contract with the Danish Armed Forces.
