Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing (SMFL), one of the leading leasing companies in Japan, has invested into Groke Technologies.

SMFL has been engaging in providing financing services to the maritime sector. Through the investment in Groke, they aim to lease Groke’s product to increase their presence domestic coastal shipping sector and in the fishing sector, and in the future, aim to engage in autonomous vessel business.

Through this investment, SMFL aims to acquire knowledge of autonomous vessel business while providing various financing services, including leasing and sales finance, that meet the needs of domestic coastal shipping companies and fishermen for Groke’s products. In addition, SMFL will contribute to the realization of a sustainable society by providing services that resolve social issues such as further improvement of maritime safety, improvement of the working environment on board, and shortage of sailors.

Groke will be able to provide further choices to customers, to meet the needs for a wider audience. We will continue the development to create a safer environment for the seafarers.

Press release published on the 12th of November 2021

Link to SMFL’s press release: https://www.smfl.co.jp/english/news/assets/211112_E.pdf