A joint project has been launched to investigate the onboard capture, storage and off-loading of carbon dioxide in what is thought to be a world first.

The project, initiated by the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GMCD), has rounded up the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), Stena Bulk and Alfa Laval, among others, as technology partners.

Stena

Stena Bulk

It aims to demonstrate end-to-end shipboard carbon capture at scale by testing a carbon capture unit onboard a Stena Bulk MR tanker to assess operation challenges while the ship is at sea.

“Since the production of zero-carbon fuels to scale will take some time, we see carbon capture coupled with low carbon fuels as one of the potential pathways to help the shipping industry navigate to a net zero future,” said Sameer Kalra, president of the Marine Division with Alfa Laval.

“We want to evaluate the commercial and environmental implications as well as identify the challenges and opportunities in the implementation of a carbon capture system on board a vessel. The findings will help in the development of the technology at scale.”