Pilot Project Launches Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage System

A pilot project involving Wärtsilä, MAN Energy Solutions, and the research institute SINTEF, in collaboration with Norwegian shipping company Solvang, is set to embark on its pilot test for a new onboard carbon capture and storage system. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the project, which commenced in 2021 and conducted its initial tests in 2022.

According to Edvin Endresen, CEO of Solvang, “Onboard carbon capture combined with existing cleaning technology is a significant shortcut to decarbonization of the world’s deep-sea fleet. This stands out as one of the more promising solutions for future vessels.”

Retrofit of Clipper Eris

Over the past few months, the 2019-built LPG tanker Clipper Eris underwent a full retrofit. The 18,000 dwt vessel arrived at the Seatrium Admiralty yard in Singapore in November for the retrofit, and the installation project was completed on January 16, with the vessel being prepared for the pilot test.

Seatrium was tasked with installing a seven-megawatt capacity carbon capture system from Wärtsilä. This system utilizes amine scrubber technology to extract approximately 70 percent of the CO2 from the exhaust gas of the main engine. The captured CO2 is then chilled, liquefied, and stored onboard for future offloading. The installation also included the addition of large tanks on the deck of the vessel. Seatrium handled engineering, procurement, electrical system upgrades, and integration of the carbon capture and compression/storage system.

The retrofit adding the carbon tanks is taking place in Singapore (Solvang)

Future Prospects and Challenges

Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The introduction of carbon capture and storage capabilities on board the Clipper Eris is a major leap forward for maritime sustainability. It represents a system change that has been made possible by close collaboration between our companies.”

The pilot project involving the Clipper Eris is scheduled to run for a year, with funding support from the Norwegian State through Enova. Solvang emphasizes the importance of more shipping companies and industry stakeholders embracing this technology for it to succeed on a larger scale. CEO Edvin Endresen highlights the need for infrastructure development and global regulations to support the adoption of onboard carbon capture and storage technology in the shipping industry.

Endresen states, “CO2 can be recycled and used in land-based industries, but the global infrastructure for discharge for shipping needs to be developed fast. In addition, IMO must implement global regulations with benefits and penalty schemes for achieving the set goals. Predictability is necessary for the industry to invest in solutions for reducing CO2 emissions.”

Solvang envisions this technology as a pivotal step towards achieving zero emissions in the world’s trading fleet. The company reveals that it has seven new vessels under construction, all designed and prepared for the installation of onboard carbon capture and storage technology.