Advances in carbon capture technologies for tankers

The discussion consisted of an indepth analysis of carbon capture technology for vessels, and tankers in particular.

Ms Georgopoulou stated the technology is viewed as a credible decarbonisation solution and there are various methods to achieve carbon capture either pre or post combustion.

Different challenges exist with each method but every use case can be tailored to the right solution. A range of providers offer diverse innovative approaches to the technology, although they need to address energy and space demand, or the handling of captured CO2.

Ms Georgopoulou commenced with the evolution of carbon capture technology over 11 years, from a field viewed as ’rocket science’ to a credible solution in decarbonising ships.

The presentation addressed the complexity of carbon capture technologies, which can be applied either before or after combustion and outlined a typical system for post combustion would comprise of three different compartments; carbon capture technology, treating the captured CO2, and standards and temporary storage on board to discharge to the port.

This led to a discussion on the pros and cons of different carbon capture technologies – pre combustion versus post combustion options – and DNV has developed a class guideline on carbon capture and storage technologies to support the industry.

“What is the benefit? The benefit is energy demand, not demanding so much power, and the problem space demand, and minerals demand,” said Ms Georgopoulou,

adding, “There are pros and cons for all the technologies. What DNV sees is there is also a huge potential for each and every one of these technologies to play a role in particular supply chains.”

Ms Georgopoulou stated numerous onboard carbon capture providers offer technology innovations to tackle the challenges of energy demand, space demand or value chain solutions and mentioned specific solutions and technologies, like amine absorption, liquid absorption combined with membrane, and combined absorption and mineralisation.

It was noted while there is potential for onboard CCS, there are still challenges such as health and safety risks, regulatory issues, disposal costs, capex and opex.

DNV has conducted studies on both tankers and LNG carriers, which show potential capability for such systems. However, tasks remain on meeting questions of costs, consumables, onboard ship space, infrastructure availability, machine capacity and safety.

In the question and answers that concluded the session, Ms Georgopoulou was asked if there was any recognition of CCS as a decarbonisation option from the EU or IMO, to which the reply was that there is recognition. Ms Georgopoulou noted IMO has working groups looking into aspects surrounding CCS.

At the EU level, and especially EU ETS, CCS is being looked at in regards to the impact on the value chain and this will be interesting for the technology providers to consider.