Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage (OCCS) is gaining momentum as a promising solution to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping. To highlight the latest developments and operational experiences, IMO’s Future Fuels and Technology Project hosted a Technical Seminar on OCCS Systems on 11 September at IMO Headquarters.
The event gathered global stakeholders to assess OCCS technology, its challenges, and its role in supporting the industry’s decarbonization transition.
How OCCS Works and Its Potential
OCCS adapts Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology directly onto ships. It captures CO₂ emissions before they enter the atmosphere, stores them onboard, and later offloads them for transport to utilization or permanent storage facilities. CCS technology itself already recognized as a key tool in mitigating climate change has seen progress through large-scale demonstrations, and OCCS aims to extend these benefits into maritime operations.
Industry experts at the seminar discussed ongoing shipboard projects, potential uses such as turning CO₂ into limestone, and operational considerations including safe offloading and transportation of captured carbon.
Regulatory and Collaborative Efforts
The seminar emphasized that while OCCS shows promise, regulatory gaps must be addressed. IMO Head of Clean Air and Climate Action, Mr. Roel Hoenders, outlined ongoing efforts to establish a framework for OCCS, including guidelines for testing, surveys, and certification.
Presentations also stressed the importance of aligning OCCS with the London Protocol, the international treaty governing safe CO₂ storage in sub-seabed geological formations. Collaboration among stakeholders was identified as crucial to ensuring OCCS is developed responsibly and can serve as a temporary but valuable measure until alternative fuels become widely available.
By drawing over 400 international participants, the seminar highlighted the maritime sector’s growing interest in OCCS as a transitional tool to meet climate goals. While significant work remains in infrastructure, regulation, and safety, OCCS holds potential as part of the carbon value chain to help shipping manage emissions while cleaner fuels are scaled up.
As IMO continues to refine a regulatory framework, OCCS could play a pivotal role in the industry’s decarbonization journey.
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Source: IMO
