UK Supports Innovative Emission Capture Project in Ports

The UK is taking a significant step towards reducing emissions in ports by supporting a groundbreaking project that combines emissions capture and carbon capture technologies. The project, a collaboration between STAX Engineering and Seabound, with the involvement of Associated British Ports, has been awarded a grant of £1.1 million ($1.48 million) under the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition.

Stylianos Papageorgiou, Managing Director of lomarlabs, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “This project is a breakthrough moment for ports and for the maritime decarbonization landscape. By integrating carbon and emissions capture in a scalable, barge-based system, we’re unlocking a practical path to cleaner port operations without retrofitting ships.”

Integration of Technologies at the Port of Southampton

The project will mark the first integration of emissions capture and carbon capture technologies at the Port of Southampton. STAX, known for its emissions capture capabilities, will deploy barges that cap the funnel of docked vessels, capturing up to 99% of particulate matter and 95% of nitrogen oxides. Seabound’s modular carbon capture units will complement this system, storing up to 95% of carbon dioxide and 98% of sulfur emissions.

This integrated solution positions Southampton as a pioneer in hosting a system that captures CO2 emissions and criteria pollutants while ships are docked. The companies involved assert that this approach provides a practical and immediate way for maritime operators to meet environmental regulations and decarbonization requirements without costly retrofits.

Support from Associated British Ports

Associated British Ports, the largest port operator in the UK, is actively supporting the advancement of these new technologies. The company’s Energy Ventures Accelerator program, launched in 2024, aims to assist early-stage clean energy innovators. In addition to backing STAX and Seabound, the accelerator is also supporting initiatives like the development of shore power facilities at the Port of Southampton.

Success Stories and Future Plans

Seabound’s previous success in Round 3 of the UK Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, where they demonstrated their carbon capture technology on the Sounion Trader, showcases their expertise in the field. The company achieved impressive CO2 capture efficiency and SO2 removal, paving the way for further deployment of their solutions across fleets.

With the support of the UK Government and key industry players, the integration of emissions capture and carbon capture technologies in ports signifies a crucial step towards a cleaner and more sustainable maritime sector.