Giant Black Pipes to Help Reduce Ship Emissions in Europe

Giant black pipes inserted into the funnels of ships to contain emissions will be seen in Europe for the first time, following UK government funding to get California-based STAX Engineering’s carbon capture kit to British ports.

STAX Engineering is working with UK-based onboard carbon capture specialist Seabound, Associated British Ports (ABP), and Lomar Shipping to tackle emissions from berthed vessels.

The solution, according to STAX, provides a practical, cost-effective alternative to shore power installations, which require significant upfront capital, aren’t viable for all vessel types, and remain largely unbuilt—with major European ports having installed or commissioned only 20% of what is required by EU regulations.

“This project validates what we’ve known for years—ports need emissions solutions that work today without the infrastructure disruptions caused by solutions like shore power,” said Mike Walker, CEO of STAX Engineering.

STAX and Seabound offer a fully integrated emissions solution, first showcased at the port of Long Beach in April, that is immediate, requiring no retrofits or expensive overhauls. STAX’s mobile barge claims to capture up to 99% of particulate matter and 95% of nitrogen oxides (NOx), while Seabound’s unit isolates and stores up to 95% of carbon dioxide and 90% of sulfur emissions. The system will debut at ABP’s Southampton port with vessels from UK-based Lomar Shipping.