In the bustling Port of Long Beach, a revolution was on display this week. Maritime stakeholders, regulators, and industry bigwigs gathered to witness a first-of-its-kind demonstration: a barge-based emissions and carbon capture system, a joint effort by STAX Engineering and Seabound. This isn’t just another greenwashing stunt; it’s a game-changer that could reshape how the maritime industry tackles emissions.
Picture this: a mobile barge, equipped with STAX’s emissions filtering technology, hooks up to a ship’s exhaust stack. In this case, it was the Talisman, a roll-on/roll-off car carrier operated by Wallenius Wilhelmsen. As the ship’s engine roared, the barge went to work, capturing particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur, and carbon dioxide—all the nasty stuff that usually billows into the atmosphere. The results were staggering: 99% of PM, 95% of NOx, up to 95% of CO₂, and 90% of sulfur were scrubbed from the exhaust. This isn’t some pie-in-the-sky promise; it’s a proven, tangible solution.
The beauty of this system lies in its simplicity and flexibility. Unlike other solutions that require significant vessel retrofits or port-side infrastructure changes, this one operates externally. No modifications to ships or ports are needed, making it a cost-effective path to compliance with tightening regulations. The International Maritime Organization has set a 20% cut in maritime carbon emissions by 2030, and the U.K. has upped its greenhouse gas targets. This barge-based system could be the key to meeting these goals.
So, how does it work? The STAX-Seabound system employs a two-step process. First, STAX’s technology filters out particulate matter and NOx, converting the toxic gases into cleaner forms. Then, the remaining exhaust is routed into Seabound’s compact onboard carbon capture module, where CO₂ and sulfur are chemically isolated and stored. It’s like a high-tech vacuum cleaner for ship exhaust.
But this is just the beginning. With $70 million raised earlier this year, STAX is eyeing international expansion. Plans are in motion for similar deployments overseas, including a potential collaboration with Associated British Ports at the Port of Southampton in the U.K. “Today marks a landmark moment in our journey toward a zero-emissions future,” said STAX CEO Mike Walker. “As we expand our carbon capture capabilities across the fleet, our inaugural partnership with Seabound has been instrumental.”
Alisha Fredriksson, co-founder and CEO of Seabound, echoed this sentiment. “Our partnership demonstrates that effective, scalable emissions solutions are a reality that we can implement now,” she said. “By leveraging innovative onboard carbon capture, we can make a tangible difference on a global scale.”
This demonstration isn’t just about one ship or one port. It’s about proving that the maritime industry can innovate, adapt, and lead the way in sustainability. It’s about challenging the norm that ships have to be dirty to be effective. It’s about sparking a debate on how we can push the boundaries of what’s possible in maritime emissions reduction.
So, what’s next? Will other ports and shipping companies follow suit? Will regulators take note and update their policies? Will this technology scale up to meet the demands of the global fleet? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the maritime industry is at a crossroads, and this barge-based emissions and carbon capture system could be the map to a greener future.