OGCI, GCMD, Stena Bulk, and global maritime organizations have concluded that onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) technology can significantly reduce maritime emissions through a recent project.
Project Aims and Methodology
The project, “Realizing Maritime Carbon Capture to Demonstrate the Ability to Lower Emissions,” assessed the feasibility of deploying carbon capture systems on vessels with minimal operational impact. Researchers used the tanker Stena Impero to analyze the design and cost implications of retrofitting an onboard carbon capture and storage system.
Key Findings
The project revealed several key findings:
- OCCS technology could reduce a vessel’s CO2 emissions by up to 20% per year, with a fuel consumption penalty under 10%.
- Experts estimated the cost of building and installing a full OCCS system on Stena Impero at US$13.6 million. They evaluated the abatement cost for the prototype at US$769 per ton of CO2.
- Researchers expect further research and development to drive down costs, making OCCS increasingly viable for the shipping industry.
Industry Perspectives
Michael Traver, head of OGCI’s transport workstream, described the study as a milestone in understanding carbon capture technology’s potential in decarbonizing shipping. “The project demonstrated highly encouraging technical feasibility,” Dr. Traver said. He added that OGCI is committed to collaborating with the maritime sector to accelerate low-carbon solutions and drive industry sustainability.
Challenges and Opportunities
Professor Lynn Loo, CEO of GCMD, noted that OCCS adoption faces hurdles, including balancing CO2 capture rates and maintaining acceptable CapEx and OpEx. “This study provides quantitative insights on managing the trade-offs between OCCS operating costs and emissions reduction potential,” Loo said.
Newbuild Vessels and OCCS
The study also explored incorporating OCCS on newbuild vessels. Findings suggest more efficient engines, heat pumps, and alternative solvents could improve capture rate and fuel penalty.
Offloading Captured CO2
However, GCMD emphasized the early stages of offloading captured CO2, lacking national and port policies for accounting and final deposition. The current lack of port infrastructure for offloading and storage means stakeholders across the value chain must collaborate and support development.
Looking to the Future
Despite challenges, Erik Hånell, president and CEO of Stena Bulk, remains optimistic about OCCS’s future in the maritime industry. “This may be expensive for first movers, but the consortium believes further research and development will drive down costs, making OCCS increasingly viable,” Hånell said.
As the maritime industry explores ways to reduce its carbon footprint, this collaborative project demonstrates OCCS’s potential in contributing to a more sustainable future for the sector. The findings highlight the importance of continued research, development, and collaboration among stakeholders to overcome challenges and accelerate the adoption of low-carbon solutions in the maritime industry. Stakeholders must work together to drive the industry towards a greener future.
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