A recent study into the the technical viability of onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) has concluded that it has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping sector.
The feasibility study analysed the design and cost implications of retrofitting a carbon capture system on the medium-range tanker Stena Impero. It found that OCCS technology could reduce the vessel’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by as much as 20% per year, with a fuel consumption penalty of just under 10%.
The REMARCCABLE (Realising Maritime Carbon Capture to Demonstrate the Ability to Lower Emissions) project was undertaken by the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) and Stena Bulk, with support from the American Bureau of Shipping, Alfa Laval, Deltamarin, Lloyd’s Register, Seatrium and TNO.
The engineering project analysed the design and cost implications of retrofitting a carbon capture system on the medium-range tanker Stena Impero. It found that the technology could reduce the vessel’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by as much as 20% per year, with a fuel consumption penalty of just under 10%.
The cost of building and installing the full system is estimated at US$13.6mn, with an abatement cost of avoided CO2 for the first-of-a-kind prototype evaluated at $769/ton CO2. However, the consortium believes that further research and development will drive down costs, making OCCS increasingly viable for the shipping industry.
The study also looked at incorporating OCCS on newbuild vessels, with the findings that improvements to capture rate and fuel penalty may be achieved using more efficient engines, heat pumps, and alternative solvents.
Dr Michael Traver, Head of Transport Workstream, OGCI, said: “This study is a major milestone in understanding the potential of using carbon capture technology to decarbonize the shipping industry. The technical feasibility demonstrated in the project is highly encouraging. OGCI is committed to collaborating with the maritime sector to accelerate the deployment of low-carbon solutions and drive the industry towards a sustainable future.”
Professor Lynn Loo, CEO, GCMD, said: “OCCS has gained traction in recent years as a feasible approach to meet the 2023 IMO revised GHG emissions reduction targets. However, its adoption faces numerous hurdles, including the need to balance the tension between maximising CO2 capture rates while maintaining commercially acceptable CapEx and OpEx. This study provides quantitative insights on managing the trade-offs between the actual cost of operating OCCS and its emissions reductions potential.”
“Just as our eyes are on decarbonising shipping, we must not forget shipping’s critical role in transporting the next generation of energy from where it’s produced to where it’s needed. Our partnership with OGCI will lend an important lens on shipping’s role in the global fuel transition. As our Coalition partner, we look forward to forge pathways to build up the portfolio of viable solutions for shipping to achieve its net-zero targets.”
“For OCCS systems to be practical, the industry needs to manage captured CO2 effectively. To this end, GCMD has previously completed a study to define the operational envelope for offloading onboard captured CO2, contributing to the whole-of-system approach to emissions reduction via carbon capture.”
Erik Hånell, President and CEO, Stena Bulk, said: “This may be expensive for first movers, but the consortium believes that further research and development will drive down costs, making OCCS an increasingly viable solution for the shipping industry.
“The results will be instrumental for not only us, but for the whole sector, to evaluate the operational and commercial opportunities, as well as the challenges when capturing CO2 at sea. Together, we can work towards a sustainable future for shipping.”
The consortium partners added that many challenges remain to be addressed. For example, the industry awaits guidance from the IMO’s Correspondence Group tasked with developing a framework for OCCS at MEPC 83.
Operationally, there are challenges posed by the recurring annual fuel penalty costs, amine solvent replenishment, skilled operators, maintenance and offloading services. This is also currently insufficient infrastructure at ports to support offloading and storage.
Source: OGCI