popular articles

Maritime transport: a pillar for cross-border CO2 capture

Maritime transport is essential to cross-border carbon capture and storage initiatives in Asia-Pacific, with projected annual volumes reaching 100 million tons by 2050.

Please share:

Maritime transport emerges as a key solution for cross-border Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) in Asia-Pacific. A joint study by the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) and Boston Consulting Group highlights its economic advantage over pipelines, especially for distances exceeding 500 km.

According to the report, CO2 volumes transported by sea could reach 100 million tons annually by 2050. This development will require between 85 and 150 specialized vessels, each with a capacity of 50,000 tons, amounting to an estimated global investment of $25 billion.

The advantages of maritime transport

Due to the vast maritime distances in the Asia-Pacific region, shipping offers increased economic viability. It becomes competitive for distances exceeding 500 km, with a minimum volume of about 5 million tons annually.

Emerging routes include intra-Southeast Asia pathways, ranging from 450 to 970 km, as well as routes between Northeast Asia and Australia, extending up to 11,000 km. These corridors will require concerted efforts to develop suitable port infrastructure and specific standards.

Financial and regulatory obstacles

The development of cross-border CCUS projects depends on three key factors: economic support, long-term contracts with minimum volume guarantees, and clear regulations.

Total costs for maritime transport with storage range between $141 and $287 per ton, depending on the routes. However, current carbon taxes in the region, ranging between $2 and $18 per ton, highlight a significant gap that hinders adoption. Government subsidies and economic incentives will be necessary to bridge this gap.

Required regulations and standards

A clear regulatory framework is crucial for structuring cross-border CCUS initiatives. This includes standards for CO2 impurities, transport pressures and temperatures, and bilateral agreements to clarify legal responsibilities.

Maritime and port operators also require long-term commitments from emitters, with contracts of at least 10 years guaranteeing minimum volumes. These commitments will facilitate planning and necessary investments.

A collaborative effort

The success of these projects relies on close collaboration between public and private sectors. Governments can provide direct economic support, while private actors invest in infrastructure, technology, and specialized training.

The report concludes that by addressing these challenges, the region can establish a robust CCUS value chain, significantly contributing to global decarbonization efforts.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Nigeria introduces a tax credit capped at 20% for oil operators meeting cost reduction targets, with a focus on gas and offshore projects.
Four renewable energy producers have been authorised to sell 400 MW directly to Egyptian industrial companies without public support.
Four renewable energy producers have been authorised to sell 400 MW directly to Egyptian industrial companies without public support.
Following the withdrawal of two British companies, Morocco launches a MAD2.5mn ($270,000) expert mission to boost the appeal of its offshore oil and gas sector.
Following the withdrawal of two British companies, Morocco launches a MAD2.5mn ($270,000) expert mission to boost the appeal of its offshore oil and gas sector.
AMEA Power has completed the commissioning of a 500MW wind power plant in Ras Ghareb, bringing its total deployed capacity in Egypt to 1GW within six months.
AMEA Power has completed the commissioning of a 500MW wind power plant in Ras Ghareb, bringing its total deployed capacity in Egypt to 1GW within six months.
Royal Vopak’s Indian joint venture rose nearly 3% on its first trading day in Mumbai, reaching an implied valuation of €2.7bn ($2.93bn).
Austrian group OMV has confirmed a major investment in a green hydrogen production unit in Lower Austria, aimed at securing its Schwechat refinery operations by the end of 2027.
Austrian group OMV has confirmed a major investment in a green hydrogen production unit in Lower Austria, aimed at securing its Schwechat refinery operations by the end of 2027.
Gazprom increased its daily natural gas exports to Europe via the TurkStream subsea pipeline, reaching 46 million cubic metres per day in May, according to Reuters calculations.
Gazprom increased its daily natural gas exports to Europe via the TurkStream subsea pipeline, reaching 46 million cubic metres per day in May, according to Reuters calculations.
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power signed a 26-month contract to assess a site in Uganda’s Buyende region for its first nuclear reactor, in compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency standards.
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power signed a 26-month contract to assess a site in Uganda’s Buyende region for its first nuclear reactor, in compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency standards.
The Shafag 11 project in Jabrayil, backed by BP, SOCAR and the Azerbaijan Investment Company, secures a $200mn commitment at the Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition.
Naftogaz will fund the purchase of new drilling platforms through a €36.4mn loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, following a sharp decline in gas production due to Russian strikes.
Naftogaz will fund the purchase of new drilling platforms through a €36.4mn loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, following a sharp decline in gas production due to Russian strikes.
Natural gas combined with carbon capture achieves emission levels comparable to wind and solar power, positioning itself as an economical alternative to renewables despite intermittency and high battery storage costs.
Natural gas combined with carbon capture achieves emission levels comparable to wind and solar power, positioning itself as an economical alternative to renewables despite intermittency and high battery storage costs.
Global biodiesel and bio-LNG supply struggles to keep pace with rising maritime demand, posing an immediate risk to the sector’s emissions reduction targets.
Global biodiesel and bio-LNG supply struggles to keep pace with rising maritime demand, posing an immediate risk to the sector’s emissions reduction targets.
US investment fund Davidson Kempner has reached an agreement to acquire Swire Energy Services, a provider of offshore equipment, strengthening its position in the global energy market.
International Petroleum Corporation repurchased 89,200 common shares between 26 and 30 May under its buyback programme compliant with Canadian and European regulations.
International Petroleum Corporation repurchased 89,200 common shares between 26 and 30 May under its buyback programme compliant with Canadian and European regulations.
Flex LNG has finalised a $175 mn lease financing for its Flex Courageous vessel, generating $42 mn in net proceeds as part of a financial restructuring plan announced earlier this year.
Flex LNG has finalised a $175 mn lease financing for its Flex Courageous vessel, generating $42 mn in net proceeds as part of a financial restructuring plan announced earlier this year.
EDF is challenging the legality of the nuclear contract awarded to KHNP, citing potential South Korean state support in violation of EU rules, leading to a temporary suspension of the Dukovany II project.
EDF is challenging the legality of the nuclear contract awarded to KHNP, citing potential South Korean state support in violation of EU rules, leading to a temporary suspension of the Dukovany II project.
A report by Ember shows ASEAN could supply nearly one-third of its data centres with wind and solar power by 2030 without storage, provided appropriate public policies are implemented.
US energy companies reduced the number of active rigs for the fifth consecutive week, reaching their lowest level since November 2021, according to data published by Baker Hughes.
US energy companies reduced the number of active rigs for the fifth consecutive week, reaching their lowest level since November 2021, according to data published by Baker Hughes.
The 102 MW wind project in Québec secures structured loans from Canadian banks, marking a new stage for the joint venture between Innergex and the Mi'gmaq communities.
The 102 MW wind project in Québec secures structured loans from Canadian banks, marking a new stage for the joint venture between Innergex and the Mi'gmaq communities.
Sempra Infrastructure has received approval from U.S. authorities to export 13.5 Mtpa of liquefied natural gas to countries without free trade agreements, marking a key step in developing the Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 terminal.
Sempra Infrastructure has received approval from U.S. authorities to export 13.5 Mtpa of liquefied natural gas to countries without free trade agreements, marking a key step in developing the Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 terminal.
EOG Resources finalises a $5.6bn acquisition of 675,000 net acres from Encino Acquisition Partners, consolidating its strategic position in the Utica formation and increasing its dividend by 5 %.
The US Department of Energy has cancelled 24 projects funded under the Biden administration, citing their lack of profitability and alignment with national energy priorities.
The US Department of Energy has cancelled 24 projects funded under the Biden administration, citing their lack of profitability and alignment with national energy priorities.
In the United States, the carbon black market faces unprecedented fluctuations in the first half of 2025, driven by declining industrial demand and persistent raw material volatility, casting doubts over the sector's future stability.
In the United States, the carbon black market faces unprecedented fluctuations in the first half of 2025, driven by declining industrial demand and persistent raw material volatility, casting doubts over the sector's future stability.
In May 2025, natural gas demand for electricity generation in the United States declined, influenced by cooler weather conditions and a significant increase in solar generation.
In May 2025, natural gas demand for electricity generation in the United States declined, influenced by cooler weather conditions and a significant increase in solar generation.

Advertising