popular articles

The Clipper Eris becomes the first vessel capable of storing its CO2 at sea

A Norwegian shipowner has equipped an ethylene carrier with an onboard CO2 capture and storage system. The initiative could reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 70%.

Please share:

The Clipper Eris is a 160-meter ethylene carrier owned by the Solvang group (Solvang). Powered by heavy fuel oil (HFO, Heavy Fuel Oil), this vessel uses a fuel known for its significant emissions of sulfur and greenhouse gases (GHG). In an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of the high-sea fleet, the shipowner decided to carry out a retrofit (technical renovation) to install an advanced exhaust gas filtration system. This is an experimental approach that draws the attention of many maritime stakeholders interested in concrete decarbonization solutions.

A capture system onboard

The installed device captures carbon dioxide directly in the exhaust line. Through a separation process, the CO2 is extracted and then liquefied to reduce its volume before being stored onboard. Specially equipped tanks preserve this CO2 for possible industrial reuse or later burial in geological formations. According to the engineers involved, this solution aims to reduce GHG emissions by up to 70%, while maintaining the vessel’s operational performance.

This process, known as Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage (OCCS), is still in the experimental stage within the maritime industry. Several challenges remain, including managing the heat generated during capture, the energy consumption required to operate the system, and the issue of long-term profitability. Nonetheless, the shipowner emphasized that Norwegian public funding partially supported this project, which helps offset some of the initial costs. Those involved see it as an important step toward decarbonizing a global fleet responsible for 2 to 3% of total GHG emissions.

The role of the International Maritime Organization

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is responsible for regulating international maritime transport. It has set targets to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions, with progressive short- and medium-term goals. Shipowners are therefore encouraged to explore various pathways, whether by adapting existing vessels or designing new ones capable of operating with cleaner technologies. In this context, the OCCS solution stands out as a feasible avenue for meeting regulatory constraints on pollutant emissions.

Officials at Solvang and its partners believe that implementing an onboard CO2 capture system can be combined with other emission reduction methods, such as speed optimization or route adjustments. This approach could address the growing demand for cargo transport while taking environmental imperatives into account. According to Solvang CEO Edvin Endresen, the goal is to prove that this system can be integrated on conventional cargo ships without disrupting freight or operational safety.

Perspectives and future development

Seven Solvang vessels under construction are said to be already designed to accommodate an OCCS system. Stakeholders such as Wärtsilä Marine (WM) have joined the project by bringing their expertise in marine engine design and adaptable technological solutions. According to WM engineers, the idea is to ensure that future generations of ships can incorporate similar innovations, offering operational versatility while reducing the release of polluting gases into the atmosphere.

The commissioning of such a system demonstrates the potential for directly onboard carbon capture and storage devices. Shipyards are increasingly interested in these approaches, as they can be applied to existing fleets, not just new vessels. Stakeholders point out that a substantial reduction in emissions at the source will help the sector meet IMO requirements, while limiting dependence on alternative energies that are still not widely available in the maritime market.

However, some observers stress the need to gather more data on the actual performance of this system on a large scale. Despite the stated ambitions, its integration on other types of vessels, evolving costs, and future regulations could affect its widespread adoption. This project therefore raises questions about adaptability, financing, and environmental performance, all of which are of interest to a maritime sector in the midst of transformation.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The partnership aims to develop a full logistics chain for CO2 capture, transport, liquefaction and storage, focused on Calcinor’s industrial operations.
In response to increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the world's leading oil companies are significantly boosting their investments in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, reshaping their industrial and financial strategies.
In response to increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the world's leading oil companies are significantly boosting their investments in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, reshaping their industrial and financial strategies.
HYCO1 and Malaysia LNG Sdn. Bhd. have signed a memorandum of understanding for a carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and utilization project in Bintulu, Malaysia, aiming to transform 1 million tons of CO2 per year into low-emission syngas.
HYCO1 and Malaysia LNG Sdn. Bhd. have signed a memorandum of understanding for a carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and utilization project in Bintulu, Malaysia, aiming to transform 1 million tons of CO2 per year into low-emission syngas.
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCU) technologies are gaining traction in hard-to-decarbonize industrial sectors, offering innovative and economically viable solutions. The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies report explores these new pathways.
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCU) technologies are gaining traction in hard-to-decarbonize industrial sectors, offering innovative and economically viable solutions. The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies report explores these new pathways.
The outcome of Australia's elections could redefine national carbon market regulations, potentially triggering significant shifts in emissions reduction policies, directly impacting local carbon credit prices (ACCU).
According to the latest data from S&P Global Commodity Insights, voluntary carbon markets experienced a significant contraction, with renewable credit retirements dropping by 34% in March and issuances decreasing by half.
According to the latest data from S&P Global Commodity Insights, voluntary carbon markets experienced a significant contraction, with renewable credit retirements dropping by 34% in March and issuances decreasing by half.
Telecom operators and data centres recorded a rise in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, diverging from the national decline reported during the same year.
Telecom operators and data centres recorded a rise in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, diverging from the national decline reported during the same year.
Fidelis Infrastructure has entered a 15-year agreement with Microsoft to supply biomass-based carbon capture solutions in Baton Rouge, marking the world’s largest permanent carbon removal transaction to date.
Fidelis Infrastructure has entered a 15-year agreement with Microsoft to supply biomass-based carbon capture solutions in Baton Rouge, marking the world’s largest permanent carbon removal transaction to date.
The Danish government has granted Norne Thorning Storage an exploration licence to assess the Thorning geological structure for potential underground carbon dioxide storage by 2030.
Gevo and Future Energy Global have signed a multi-year agreement covering carbon credits from sustainable aviation fuels, supporting the construction of a new production facility in the United States.
Gevo and Future Energy Global have signed a multi-year agreement covering carbon credits from sustainable aviation fuels, supporting the construction of a new production facility in the United States.
In Brasilia, China and India urged BRICS members to resist carbon taxes and trade measures imposed without international consensus, calling for stronger existing multilateral frameworks.
In Brasilia, China and India urged BRICS members to resist carbon taxes and trade measures imposed without international consensus, calling for stronger existing multilateral frameworks.
Subsea7 has been awarded a major contract by Equinor for Phase 2 of the Northern Lights project, involving the installation of a CO2 pipeline offshore Norway, with operations scheduled for 2026 and 2027.
Subsea7 has been awarded a major contract by Equinor for Phase 2 of the Northern Lights project, involving the installation of a CO2 pipeline offshore Norway, with operations scheduled for 2026 and 2027.
Driven by investment in low-carbon technologies, the global decarbonisation market is expected to reach $4.7tn by 2033, according to Allied Market Research, with an average annual growth rate of 8.1%.
Norwegian joint venture Northern Lights, backed by Equinor, Shell and TotalEnergies, will invest NOK7.5bn to expand its CO2 storage infrastructure following a new industrial contract signed in Sweden.
Norwegian joint venture Northern Lights, backed by Equinor, Shell and TotalEnergies, will invest NOK7.5bn to expand its CO2 storage infrastructure following a new industrial contract signed in Sweden.
Japanese conglomerate Mitsubishi Corporation has entered into a strategic partnership with Alt Carbon to scale up carbon dioxide removal across South Asia through an emerging mineral-based technology.
Japanese conglomerate Mitsubishi Corporation has entered into a strategic partnership with Alt Carbon to scale up carbon dioxide removal across South Asia through an emerging mineral-based technology.
British and European carbon markets extended gains, boosted by geopolitical tensions and prospects of aligning emissions trading systems.
British and European carbon markets extended gains, boosted by geopolitical tensions and prospects of aligning emissions trading systems.
Carbon Mapper and Planet Labs PBC will provide satellite data to California in support of a public programme targeting emission reductions in high-intensity sectors.
A coalition of 30 companies and public organizations has launched an initiative to establish a standardized protocol for carbon credit data, aiming to improve transparency and accelerate the growth of carbon markets.
A coalition of 30 companies and public organizations has launched an initiative to establish a standardized protocol for carbon credit data, aiming to improve transparency and accelerate the growth of carbon markets.
Amid political uncertainty, CO2 capture players in the United States are shifting their messaging to safeguard the tax incentives crucial to their survival. The sector is now focusing on economic and strategic arguments to persuade the government.
Amid political uncertainty, CO2 capture players in the United States are shifting their messaging to safeguard the tax incentives crucial to their survival. The sector is now focusing on economic and strategic arguments to persuade the government.
8 Rivers Capital has entrusted Wood with the preliminary engineering and design phase of a carbon capture project in Wyoming. This project, carried out with PacifiCorp, aims to modernize an existing power plant by integrating a technology utilizing supercritical CO₂.
8 Rivers Capital has entrusted Wood with the preliminary engineering and design phase of a carbon capture project in Wyoming. This project, carried out with PacifiCorp, aims to modernize an existing power plant by integrating a technology utilizing supercritical CO₂.
EU carbon permit prices declined at the end of February, influenced by market developments in gas and investor adjustments. Brussels' proposal concerning the CBAM has so far had little impact on market prices.
Baker Hughes and Frontier Infrastructure have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of carbon storage and energy production projects in the United States, aimed at supporting the growing needs of data centres and industrial emitters.
Baker Hughes and Frontier Infrastructure have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of carbon storage and energy production projects in the United States, aimed at supporting the growing needs of data centres and industrial emitters.
Perenco and its partners launch the first UK test for CO₂ injection into a depleted gas reservoir in the North Sea. This experimental phase aims to provide crucial data for the long-term geological storage of CO₂. ##
Perenco and its partners launch the first UK test for CO₂ injection into a depleted gas reservoir in the North Sea. This experimental phase aims to provide crucial data for the long-term geological storage of CO₂. ##
Captura, in collaboration with Equinor, has commissioned a new pilot facility in Kona, Hawaii, capable of capturing 1,000 tons of CO₂ per year. This milestone marks a key step toward the large-scale deployment of Direct Ocean Capture (DOC) technology.
Captura, in collaboration with Equinor, has commissioned a new pilot facility in Kona, Hawaii, capable of capturing 1,000 tons of CO₂ per year. This milestone marks a key step toward the large-scale deployment of Direct Ocean Capture (DOC) technology.

Advertising