Photo Credit: Solvang
For the first time, a merchant ship will test an on-board system that captures and stores its own CO₂ emissions. This innovation could be a turning point in reducing emissions in the shipping industry, one of the world’s biggest polluters.
The shipping industry, which is responsible for almost 3 per cent of global CO₂ emissions, is looking for solutions to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The Clipper Eris, a Norwegian cargo ship, is now equipped with pioneering technology that can capture up to 70 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. This pilot project paves the way for a rapid decarbonisation of the global shipping fleet. The carbon capture and storage (CCS) system installed on board the Clipper Eris uses a filter to extract CO₂ from the exhaust gases. Once captured, the CO₂ is liquefied and stored in tanks on board. This method enables a significant reduction in emissions without changing the fuel used.
CCS represents an immediate alternative to low-emission fuels, which require high investments and specialised infrastructure. According to Solvang, the Norwegian shipping company behind the project, this technology could be used on a large scale on existing ships.
A pilot project with the support of key players
The Clipper Eris was refitted in a shipyard in Singapore. The project is the result of a collaboration between Solvang, Wärtsilä, MAN Energy Solutions and the Norwegian research institute SINTEF. The Norwegian government has also provided financial support through Enova.
This partnership aims to demonstrate the efficiency of CCS on board ships. If the two-year tests are successful, seven more ships currently under construction could be equipped with this technology.
The challenges of decarbonising shipping
Despite its potential, CCS only captures a portion of emissions and requires land-based infrastructure to store or reuse the CO₂. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) must also introduce incentive schemes to encourage large-scale deployment. The shipping industry continues to face technical and regulatory obstacles to achieving its climate targets. Nevertheless, innovations such as the Clipper Eris show that concrete solutions are being developed.
What role does the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) play?
The IMO is a United Nations organisation responsible for regulating international shipping. It sets standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve maritime safety. In 2023, the IMO tightened its climate targets and aims to reduce emissions by 70 to 80 per cent by 2040 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. These targets require technological innovation and international cooperation.
How can the captured CO₂ be reused?
The captured CO₂ can be converted into synthetic fuels, used in the food industry or fed into industrial processes. It can also be stored in geological formations to prevent its release into the atmosphere. These applications offer economic opportunities while also helping to reduce emissions. However, their development requires considerable investment in infrastructure.
Silvia Rausch-Becker Redakteurin
Reporter
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