Engineers back onboard CO2 capture

As ship-based CO2 transport systems move toward operational readiness, onboard carbon capture is drawing attention as a feasible measure to reduce emissions and accelerate commercial familiarity with CO2 handling on vessels.

ABS global carbon leader Dimitrios Bardakos highlighted the complexity of integrating onboard carbon capture systems (OCCS) into vessels designed to transport CO2. “This is a unique situation,” said Mr Bardakos, “because you are transporting CO2 and at the same time you are capturing CO2.”

He noted while containment technologies and CO2-compatible cargo systems exist, thermal integration remains a technical hurdle that must be addressed project by project.

He was speaking during Session 3 of Riviera’s CO2 Shipping & Terminals Conference in London,

ABS sustainability manager Hamid Daiyan added the company is developing a decision-support framework to help shipowners evaluate OCCS options. “You need to look at your voyage profile, engine type and available space,” he said, adding shipyard engagement early in the design phase is essential if the technology is to be installed without compromising vessel stability or performance.

Value Group co-founder and director Christiaan Nijst described real-world OCCS installations on shortsea and feeder vessels. “The CO2 capture system must never bring down the engine,” said Mr Nijst. “You need 100% uptime, and redundancy is critical.” He explained their systems are designed to remove sulphur and particulates before compression and storage, and Value Carbon has begun offering offtake services to decouple shipowners from the burden of CO2 disposal. “We take care of that,” he said, “but that chain has to work.”

Northern Lights CO2 shipping and CCS commercial manager Baris Dolek said Phase One of the project is technically complete. “The vessels are ready, the loading and offloading systems are tested, and we are transporting 7,500 m³ of CO2,” he said. He confirmed Phase Two will scale up operations and may integrate new technologies, though specifics were not disclosed.

During the panel discussion that followed, BP head of CCUS business development Daniel Fletcher commented that shipboard carbon capture could offer flexibility during a period of regulatory uncertainty. “It might not be the end state, but it helps us respond now,” he said, referring to transitional FuelEU Maritime compliance.

Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers chief executive officer Oliver Hagen-Smith reflected on the operational reality. “People say this is future-looking, but we are working on projects right now,” he said. He cautioned capital decisions are already being made and stressed the importance of acting decisively.

OCEOS president Fred Lockwood added engineering teams are ready to move, but clarity is still needed on how onboard capture fits into long-term CCS strategy. He said internal modelling showed potential, but financial and regulatory frameworks remain “a little bit behind”.

The session confirmed OCCS is no longer confined to pilot projects or theoretical studies. As Mr Bardakos summarised, “You are transporting and capturing CO2 at the same time. The systems are becoming operational. This is the next step.”