Japan’s MODEC Collaborates with Carbon Clean Solutions for Offshore Carbon Capture Technology

Japan’s MODEC has partnered with the UK-based Carbon Clean Solutions to explore opportunities for the development and deployment of offshore carbon capture technology on floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) units. The aim is to reduce the carbon footprint from operations in the maritime industry.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two companies seeks to establish a framework for accelerating the deployment of Carbon Clean’s on-board carbon capture solution (OCCS) for FPSOs, utilizing MODEC’s FPSO design and technical standards. The compact footprint of CycloneCC, Carbon Clean’s technology, is up to 50% smaller than traditional solutions, with key equipment sizes reduced significantly.

MODEC plans to adapt Carbon Clean’s proprietary rotating packed bed (RPB) CycloneCC technology to fit the emission profile of a typical FPSO. The C1 series of CycloneCC offers a 70% height reduction compared to column-based technologies, making it an attractive solution for carbon capture on FPSOs.

If successful, the collaboration between MODEC and Carbon Clean could lead to post-combustion carbon capture (PCC) becoming a standard offering on future FPSO projects. This aligns with MODEC’s mid-term plan to develop and deploy an FPSO-based offshore post-combustion carbon capture pilot plant for targeted projects.

Koichi Matsumiya, Chief Technical Officer of MODEC, stated:

“Based on the early success of our partnership with Carbon Clean on the pilot plant project, we are committed to accelerating this work. As a technology integrator and offshore solutions provider, we must continue to seek ways to contribute to society and reduce our carbon footprint.”

Developing carbon capture technologies and integrating them into FPSO operations demonstrates MODEC’s commitment to emission reduction and provides clients with more sustainable options for field development. This move also aligns with the industry’s shift towards using gas as a transition fuel to reduce carbon emissions.

Aniruddha Sharma, Chair and CEO of Carbon Clean, commented:

“MODEC is leading the way in the next generation of FPSO development, and we are proud to support their efforts with our carbon capture technology. This agreement sets a precedent for the maritime industry as we work towards decarbonization and meeting emissions regulations.”

MODEC’s focus on decarbonization and compliance with environmental regulations aligns with its long-term business strategy for sustainability and innovation. By proactively reducing emissions and embracing carbon capture technology, MODEC aims to strengthen its market competitiveness and contribute to a more sustainable energy landscape.

Overall, the collaboration between MODEC and Carbon Clean signifies a significant step towards commercializing onboard carbon capture for FPSOs and sets a new standard for emissions reduction in the maritime industry.