Ahti secures follow-up funding from Business Finland to accelerate R&D on the world’s first FuelEU Maritime Compliance Pool, advancing clean innovation in shipping.
Helsinki, Finland – 27 August 2025 – In a powerful endorsement of maritime innovation and decarbonisation, Finnish cleantech company Ahti has secured a second round of funding from Business Finland to fast-track research and development for its groundbreaking Ahti Pool platform—the world’s first compliance pool for FuelEU Maritime regulations.
Competing against hundreds of high-potential startups, Ahti was initially awarded Business Finland support in September 2024, enabling rapid development of its core technology. This funding not only validated Ahti’s vision but also underpinned the company’s mission to offer a neutral, internationally scalable solution to the complex and evolving landscape of maritime emissions compliance.
The follow-up funding, announced today, represents a major milestone in Ahti’s growth journey—bolstering its financial position and strengthening its market leadership as maritime shipping enters a new era of carbon accountability.
“Business Finland’s funding of Ahti Pool is recognition of the maturity of our technology and its global scaling potential,” said Risto-Juhani Kariranta, CEO and founder of Ahti. “Today, the platform is enabling compliance and monetisation of FuelEU Maritime overcompliance, but the technology will also streamline adherence with IMO Net Zero. This support will enable us to deepen our R&D efforts, strengthen our platform, and hire top-tier talent to meet rising demand from global shipowners and operators.”
FuelEU Maritime & the Role of Ahti Pool
FuelEU Maritime, part of the EU’s Fit for 55 package, represents a seismic regulatory shift for shipowners operating in European waters. By introducing targets for greenhouse gas intensity reductions, the regulation pushes the industry towards low-carbon fuels and greater operational efficiency.
Ahti Pool offers a first-of-its-kind market mechanism to help shipowners not only comply with these regulations but also monetise overcompliance—a critical incentive as companies invest in cleaner technologies ahead of compliance deadlines. The platform pools emissions performance data across fleets, enabling ships exceeding regulatory standards to support those falling short, all within a transparent and neutral ecosystem.
The solution has already demonstrated robust product-market fit. Key industry players—including Neste, Bore / Spliethoff, and Van Weelde—have signed on, signalling strong commercial traction and widespread demand for Ahti’s services.
Accelerating Maritime Decarbonisation
With the fresh injection of Business Finland’s R&D funding, Ahti is set to expand its engineering and scientific team, advancing the platform’s functionality to support both FuelEU Maritime compliance and future IMO Net Zero mandates.
“Business Finland is committed to supporting innovative solutions that tackle global challenges,” said Lari Rajantie, Chief Funding Advisor for Startup Funding at Business Finland. “Ahti Pool is a groundbreaking platform that helps the maritime sector comply with FuelEU Maritime regulations while delivering strong commercial results. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Ahti as they scale their solution and contribute to sustainable shipping worldwide.”
The additional funding will also catalyse job creation in Finland’s rapidly growing cleantech sector, reinforcing the country’s position at the forefront of sustainable maritime innovation.
About Ahti Climate
Founded in 2022, Ahti Climate is on a mission to make shipping’s green transition affordable and efficient. Its suite of compliance tools is designed to help shipowners navigate and benefit from increasingly stringent carbon regulations.
Ahti’s founder, Risto-Juhani Kariranta, is a Master Mariner and naval architect with deep roots in maritime innovation. Before founding Ahti, he served as Director of Shipping Solutions at NAPA, the global leader in ship design and operational software, and as Shipping Performance Manager at Neste, the world’s leading producer of renewable fuels.
With its pioneering technology and visionary leadership, Ahti is not only helping the shipping industry comply with regulation—it’s helping it thrive in a low-carbon future.
Source AHTI Climate