In a collaborative project, OGCI, GCMD, Stena Bulk, and other key maritime organizations demonstrated that onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) can substantially reduce shipping emissions. The study, assessing the feasibility of OCCS on the Stena Impero, found a potential 20% reduction in annual CO2 emissions, albeit with a 10% fuel penalty.
Technical Feasibility and Emission Reductions
The project retrofitted the Stena Impero tanker with an OCCS system, resulting in CO2 emissions reduced by 20% annually. Although OCCS has shown promise, it also requires further advancements to decrease associated fuel penalties and operational costs.
Cost Implications and Challenges for Industry Adoption
Initial setup for OCCS on a vessel like the Stena Impero is estimated at $13.6 million, with CO2 abatement costing approximately $769 per ton. While costly, the consortium anticipates reductions in expenses through technological developments and broader adoption.
Operational and Regulatory Hurdles for Widespread OCCS Use
Key obstacles include additional operational costs like amine replenishment, CO2 offloading logistics, and lack of regulatory infrastructure. Effective CO2 capture requires developing supportive policies and port infrastructure for offloading and storing captured emissions.
Future Directions and Collaborative Pathways
The consortium calls for sustained research and collaboration, particularly from port authorities, shipbuilders, and policymakers, to support OCCS development. Upcoming efforts will focus on improving capture efficiency and scaling technology to meet IMO’s decarbonization targets.
The project highlights the potential of OCCS technology and underlines the importance of cross-industry cooperation to achieve maritime decarbonization goals.
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Source: OGC
