A new project conducted by the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), and Stena Bulk, alongside a consortium maritime organizations, evaluated the viability of deploying carbon capture systems on vessels with minimal operational disruption.
The initiative, titled “Realising Maritime Carbon Capture to Demonstrate the Ability to Lower Emissions (REMARCCABLE),” specifically analyzed retrofitting a carbon capture system on the medium-range tanker Stena Impero, revealing that the technology could cut the vessel’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 20% annually, with a fuel consumption penalty of nearly 10%.
This study is a major milestone in understanding the potential of using carbon capture technology to decarbonize the shipping industry. The technical feasibility demonstrated in the project is highly encouraging
… said Dr. Michael Traver, Head of OGCI’s Transport Workstream
Key findings of the project include:
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CO2 Reduction: Retrofitting the OCCS system is projected to achieve a 19.7% net reduction in CO2 emissions with a fuel penalty of 9.2%.
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Thermal Energy Efficiency: A more efficient boiler system is needed to provide 34.5% of the thermal energy required for the carbon capture, reducing the fuel penalty to 9.2%.
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CO2 Storage: The system features liquefied CO2 storage at medium pressure (15-20 bara) for a 12-day voyage, with a tank capacity of 380 m³.
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Module Design: The OCCS components can be packaged into a mega-skid module, optimizing space and streamlining installation on the vessel.
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Safety Assessments: HAZID and HAZOP analyses identified potential risks, including asphyxiation from CO2 loss during compression and degradation of amine solvents due to impurities.
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CII Compliance Extension: The retrofit can extend the vessel’s CII compliance by 9 years, maintaining a “C” rating or better until the end of its operational life.
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Cost Estimate: The total estimated cost for the retrofit is US$13.6 million, with equipment costs comprising two-thirds of the budget.
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New Build Improvements: A feasibility study for a new MR tanker indicated an improved CO2 capture rate of 23.9% and a reduced fuel penalty of 10.2% compared to the Stena Impero retrofit.
The estimated cost for building and installing the complete system is around $13.6 million, with the initial abatement cost for avoided CO2 calculated at $769 per ton. The consortium believes that ongoing research and development could further reduce these costs, enhancing the viability of OCCS for the shipping sector.
This study provides quantitative insights on managing the trade-offs between the actual cost of operating OCCS and its emissions reductions potential. For OCCS systems to be practical, the industry needs to manage captured CO2 effectively.
… commented Professor Lynn Loo, CEO of GCMD
The study also explored incorporating OCCS in new vessels, indicating potential for improved capture rates and lower fuel penalties through more efficient engines and alternative solvents.
This may be expensive for first movers, but the consortium believes that further research and development will drive down costs, making OCCS an increasingly viable solution for the shipping industry.
… remarked Erik Hånell, President and CEO of Stena Bulk
