US emissions control company STAX Engineering is expanding into the UK market through a government-backed project that aims to showcase the viability of port-based carbon capture and emissions reduction technology. The initiative (‘PortZero’), led by London-based carbon capture company Seabound, has secured £1.1 million in funding from the UK Department for Transport’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC6).
The consortium also includes Associated British Ports (ABP) and shipowner Lomar Shipping. The project will pilot an integrated system at ABP’s Port of Southampton that combines Seabound’s carbon capture unit with STAX’s mobile emissions control barge. According to the companies, the system can remove up to 99% of particulate matter, 95% of nitrogen oxides (NOx), 95% of carbon dioxide (CO2) and 90% of sulphur oxides (SOx) from at-berth vessels.
The partners argue that the model offers a practical alternative to shore power, which requires substantial upfront investment and is not viable for all vessel types. Despite EU regulations requiring major ports to roll out shore power, only around 20% of the necessary capacity has currently been installed.
Mike Walker, STAX Engineering CEO, commented on the award: ‘This project validates what we’ve known for years – ports need emissions solutions that work today without the infrastructure disruptions caused by solutions like shore power. The UK government’s investment in PortZero proves there’s real demand for technology that delivers immediate results without forcing ports to choose between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.’
For ABP, the trial reflects a broader strategy to support customers in adapting to tightening emissions standards. Max Harris, Head of Strategy and Sustainability at ABP, said: ‘Sustainability and innovation are key themes as ABP helps its customers to adapt to the changing environment. We are excited to explore the potential of this innovative solution as we pursue ever better air quality at our ports and support maritime decarbonisation,’ said Max Harris, the port group’s head of strategy and sustainability.
The PortZero project builds on previous collaboration between Seabound and STAX, which early this year at the Port of Long Beach, California, demonstrated the first fully integrated emissions and carbon capture solution. It also marks STAX’s first significant European venture, following the company’s $70 million fundraising round in February to scale its technology.
The funding comes under UK SHORE, a £236 million programme designed to accelerate shipping’s transition to net zero, with CMDC6 allocating more than £30 million to 71 projects spanning decarbonisation and smart shipping. The demonstration may provide policymakers with evidence of deployable alternatives to shore power, offering a potential means of reducing port emissions while longer-term infrastructure catches up.
