Lomarlabs has partnered with Blue Dot Change to develop and test a compact, nature-based catalyst dispenser onboard, with the aim of accelerating the reduction of methane in the atmosphere.
The catalyst dispenser works by releasing iron-rich particles containing chloride into the air, which are then converted into vapor. Sunlight irradiates these particles, producing chlorine radicals, which can drive reactions that convert methane into two water and one carbon dioxide molecule in the atmosphere.
Lomar and Blue Dot Change will collaborate on the design and development of the prototype system, with preparations to install and deploy the first fully operational system on a Lomar vessel taking place sometime in late 2024 or early 2025.
According to the companies, ships are ideal testing grounds for this unproven and potentially transformational technology, as they already operate in an ideal environment for breaking down methane.
We are focused on catalysing new, environmentally driven technologies and believe this nature-centered approach has the potential to introduce systematic, gradual change in the way we remove methane from the air.
… said Managing Director of lomarlabs, Stylianos Papageorgiou
The catalyst is independent of the ship’s emissions and will only be emitted when the meteorological conditions are optimal for it to work efficiently, the companies cleared out.
Furthermore, Blue Dot Change’s technology aims to alleviate the shipping industry’s methane footprint as there are no geological barriers to the wind blowing in an oceanic environment.
Together, we look forward to making a substantial impact on shipping’s net zero objectives while also providing a significant contribution to global climate repair.
… added Blue Dot Change Co-Founder & CEO, David Henkel-Wallace
Meanwhile, Advisor of Blue Dot Change, Capt. Steve Bomgardner, highlighted that with the conclusion of MEPC80, as well as the updated 2023 GHG strategy, this collaboration further demonstrates how forward-thinking companies like Lomar focus on the ‘bigger picture’ of the industry’s greatest challenges.
