Kalopa Robotics Limited

Standard Terms of Charter

Last Updated: May 30th, 2026

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the charter and use of autonomous surface vessels (“ASVs”) provided by Kalopa Robotics Limited (“Kalopa”, “We”, “Us”) to the client (“Customer”, “You”). By booking a Mission, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. DEFINITIONS

  • “The Vessel”: The autonomous sailboat provided by Kalopa, including hull, wing sail, batteries, and control electronics.
  • “The Payload”: Any equipment, sensors, or electronics placed into the vessel’s payload tube (“Moon Pool”) by the Customer.
  • “Mission”: The duration for which the Vessel is allocated to the Customer, commencing at Launch and ending at Recovery.
  • “Mission Control”: Kalopa’s remote operations center.

2. THE SERVICE & OPERATIONAL MODEL

2.1 Autonomous Operation:

The Customer acknowledges that the Vessel is an unmanned, autonomous robot. While Kalopa’s Mission Control monitors the Vessel, environmental factors (currents, wind, sea state) dictate performance. We do not guarantee exact arrival times or precise track adherence.

2.2 Launch & Recovery:

  • Kalopa Launch: If Kalopa personnel perform the launch, risk transfers to the Customer upon the Vessel entering the water.
  • Customer Launch: If the Customer performs the launch (e.g., air-freight delivery), the Customer warrants they will strictly follow the Kalopa Launch Manual. Damage caused by improper handling during launch (e.g., dropping the hull, failing to seal the hatch) is the sole financial responsibility of the Customer.

3. BOOKING, PRIORITY & PAYMENT

3.1 Tiered Booking:

Kalopa operates a dynamic fleet allocation model.

  • Commercial (Fixed): Bookings made at the standard commercial rate are “Hard Locked.” They cannot be displaced by other customers.

  • Academic / Auction (Spot): Bookings made at discounted, auction, or spot rates are “Soft Locked.” Kalopa reserves the right to preempt (“bump”) these bookings up to 72 hours prior to launch if a Commercial booking is received. In such events, the Spot Customer will be offered a refund or alternative dates.

3.2 Payment:

  • Commercial: 50% deposit upon booking, 50% prior to data release.
  • Spot/Auction: 100% payment required immediately to secure the slot.

4. PAYLOAD & DATA INTERFACE

4.1 Mechanical Fit:

The Payload must fit strictly within the 155mm diameter x 350mm length envelope. Kalopa reserves the right to reject any Payload that protrudes or endangers the hull integrity.

4.2 Power & Data:

The Vessel provides 12V power and an RS232 connection. It is the Customer’s responsibility to ensure their Payload is electrically compatible. Damage to the Vessel’s main board caused by Customer Payload shorts or voltage spikes will be charged to the Customer.

4.3 Dangerous Goods:

You may not load explosives, corrosives, biological hazards, or illegal contraband.

5. RISK, LIABILITY & INSURANCE

5.1 The “Moon Pool” Liability (Payload):

  • Standard: Unless otherwise agreed, Kalopa accepts NO LIABILITY for the loss of, or damage to, the Customer’s Payload, regardless of cause (including vessel sinking, leakage, or collision).

  • Kalopa Shield: If the Customer purchases the “Kalopa Shield” add-on, liability is capped at the Declared Value stated in the Booking Confirmation, subject to a pre-launch inspection.

5.2 Data Loss:

Kalopa is not liable for the loss of data stored locally on the Payload. Customers are advised to transmit critical data via the provided satellite link during the mission.

5.3 Vessel Loss:

  • Mechanical Failure: If the Vessel is lost due to internal system failure (e.g., rudder break), Kalopa bears the cost of the Vessel.

  • Customer Negligence: If the Vessel is lost due to the Customer’s Payload interfering with operations (e.g., payload overheating and causing fire), the Customer is liable for the replacement cost of the Vessel (€25,000).

6. DATA OWNERSHIP

6.1 Customer Missions:

For fully paid Commercial charters, all environmental data collected by the Customer’s Payload belongs exclusively to the Customer. Telemetry data (Vessel health, battery status) remains the property of Kalopa.

6.2 Spot/Auction Missions:

Kalopa reserves the right to retain a copy of environmental data collected during discounted or auction-tier missions for its own internal research or resale, unless an “Exclusivity Fee” is paid.

7. CANCELLATION & ABORTS

7.1 Force Majeure:

If a Mission is cancelled due to extreme weather (Force Majeure) prior to launch, a full credit for future dates will be issued.

7.2 Operational Abort:

Kalopa Mission Control reserves the right to abort a Mission and return the Vessel to port if:

  • Battery levels drop below critical thresholds.
  • The Vessel enters a restricted zone.
  • Storm conditions exceed the Vessel’s survival rating.
  • Note: If the abort is caused by the Customer’s Payload drawing excessive power, no refund will be issued for lost days.

8. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the Republic of Ireland. Any disputes arising under this agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts.