Innovative Carbon Capture System Installed on Container Ship to Reduce Emissions

A London-based climate tech startup, Seabound, introduced a pioneering carbon capture system aboard the Sounion Trader container ship, marking a significant step in decarbonizing shipping.

During a two-month voyage from Turkey to the Persian Gulf, Seabound’s experimental pilot project successfully captured 78 percent of carbon emissions and 90 percent of sulfur dioxide from one of the ship’s auxiliary engines.

Significance in Emissions Reduction Efforts

According to Alisha Fredriksson, CEO and co-founder of Seabound, this achievement signifies a promising start in addressing the colossal challenge of emissions reduction in the shipping industry. Fredriksson emphasized that this breakthrough underscores the potential for immediate action in curbing emissions without waiting for future fuel innovations.

Building upon this success, Seabound plans to develop an enhanced system capable of removing up to 95 percent of carbon dioxide emissions, slated to hit the market by next year.

Seabound’s Next-Generation Carbon Capture System

The system integrates a carbon capture device with the engine’s exhaust, where the exhaust gas reacts with calcium oxide to produce limestone. The resulting “clean” exhaust, devoid of carbon dioxide, is then released into the atmosphere. The collected limestone can be repurposed as a building material or separated into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide for further carbon capture or underground sequestration.

With approximately 90 percent of global trade goods transported by sea, the shipping industry plays a crucial role in international commerce but contributes significantly to carbon emissions. Seabound’s initiative comes at a critical juncture, as the demand for maritime freight is projected to triple by 2050.

Seabound’s Initiative and the Challenge of Carbon Emissions in the Shipping Industry

Despite the potential of carbon capture technology, some experts caution against viewing it as a panacea for climate change. While it offers promise, challenges such as cost, scalability, and its potential to perpetuate reliance on fossil fuels remain pertinent concerns.

Ultimately, while carbon capture technology may offer a transitional solution, transitioning away from fossil fuels remains paramount in addressing the root cause of climate change.

Read the original article on IFL Science.

Read more: Understanding Carbon Capture and Storage: Can It Effectively Reduce Emissions?