Article

The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation has demonstrated the technical feasibility of onboard carbon capture, which could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. In a test, CO2 was captured from a tanker, transported 2,200 km to Inner Mongolia, and converted into materials for steel and cement production.

However, challenges remain, including the need for onboard storage and additional fuel for the system. At a 10.7% carbon capture rate, over half a tonne of CO2 was emitted for each tonne captured, with an additional 375 kg per tonne from transportation, resulting in only 0.3% of lifecycle emissions saved.

Improvements in efficiency and reduced transportation will enhance the business case. Utilizing captured CO2 for products is preferable to underground storage, but current carbon accounting by the International Maritime Organization does not acknowledge these benefits. The viability of scaling this technology and its cost-effectiveness are still in question.