The maritime industry has just taken a significant step towards decarbonization with the successful completion of the world’s first full value chain pilot for onboard captured carbon dioxide (CO2). The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) spearheaded this groundbreaking project in China, demonstrating the potential of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) in shipping.
The pilot, which unfolded in two phases, showcased the practicality of capturing CO2 onboard vessels and using it for industrial purposes. In the first phase, Shanghai Qiyao Environmental Technology (SMDERI-QET) orchestrated a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of 25.44 metric tons of captured CO2 from the container vessel MV Ever Top to the receiving vessel Dejin 26. The CO2 was then offloaded to a tank truck at a jetty in Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province.
The second phase, led by GCMD, involved transporting the captured CO2 over 2,000 kilometers to a joint venture plant between GreenOre and Baotou Steel in Inner Mongolia. There, the liquid CO2 (LCO2) was successfully used in the production of low-carbon calcium carbonate, a crucial component in sustainable construction materials.
This pilot project is a game-changer, as it highlights the potential of using captured CO2 in concrete production, one of the higher GHG emissions savings pathways. According to GCMD’s COLOSSUS study, this process can partially displace the need for carbon-intensive cement production ashore, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
However, the pilot also uncovered real-world challenges that need addressing for scalable implementation. A key issue was the classification of captured CO2 as “hazardous waste,” which prohibits its reuse and mandates disposal. Through close coordination with relevant authorities, the captured CO2 in this pilot was redesignated as “hazardous cargo,” lifting these restrictions and enabling its use as an industrial feedstock.
The success of this pilot is a testament to the power of collaboration. Multiple stakeholders across the value chain, including vessel owner Evergreen Marine Corp, OCCS provider SMDERI-QET, STS service provider Dejin Shipping, and industrial plant operator GreenOre and its joint venture, Baorong Environmental Co. Ltd., worked together to make this project a reality. Port authorities and regulators, namely Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission (SMTC), Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration (SMSA), Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG), Shanghai Customs, and Shanghai Border Inspection, also played a crucial role in supporting the pilot.
Looking ahead, GCMD will conduct a comprehensive lifecycle analysis to quantify GHG emissions for this pilot, with CO2 quality and quantity data obtained through sampling activities conducted throughout the project. GCMD will work with DNV for third-party verification of emissions reduction claims under recognized accounting frameworks.
This pilot project is a significant milestone in the maritime industry’s journey towards decarbonization. It demonstrates the feasibility of onboard carbon capture and utilization, paving the way for future developments in the sector. As the industry grapples with the challenges of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, this project offers a glimmer of hope and a roadmap for the future.
The successful completion of this pilot is expected to spark further debate and innovation in the maritime industry. It challenges the norm of simply disposing of captured CO2 and instead advocates for its productive use. This shift in perspective could lead to more sustainable practices and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Moreover, the collaboration between various stakeholders in this project sets a precedent for future endeavors. It highlights the importance of working together to tackle the complex challenges of decarbonization. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, such collaborations will be crucial in driving innovation and achieving sustainability goals.
In the words of a GCMD spokesperson, “This pilot project is a significant step forward in the maritime industry’s decarbonization journey. It demonstrates the potential of carbon capture and utilization and sets the stage for future developments in the sector. We are excited to see how this project will inspire further innovation and collaboration in the maritime industry.”