MERC to gather real-world data from onboard carbon capture pilot led by Star Bulk

An onboard carbon capture system (OCCS) will be the first emissions reduction technology tested under a new industry programme designed to gather data from actual operating conditions to support shipowners’ decisions on emissions reduction strategies.

Launched by the Maritime Emissions Reduction Centre (MERC) at Posidonia 2026, the programme will gather data on energy-saving devices and technologies through pilot projects in commercial operations, supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the existing global shipping fleet.

The programme’s first initiative will be an OCCS pilot project starting Q3 2026, led by NASDAQ-listed Star Bulk, which owns a fleet of 141 dry bulk vessels.  Star Bulk views OCCS as a promising solution to reduce GHG and CO2 emissions from the existing fleet. The largest US-listed dry bulk shipping company has invested in energy-saving technologies and tested OCCS technology.

Star Bulk is one of the founding members of MERC, an Athens-based non-profit initiative co-established by leading Greek shipowners Capital Group, Navios Maritime Partners, Neda Maritime Agency, and Thenamaris (Ships Management), along with the Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, and support from Lloyd’s Register. Cargill Ocean Transportation and DryDocks World have both recently joined MERC.

To generate insight into which ESDs and technologies can deliver scalable emissions reductions across vessel segments and under what conditions, MERC said the programme will rely on three pillars: targeted research, pilot deployment, and structured data management. Data and insights collected will help assess commercial viability and shape future technology development.

Complementing this, MERC is establishing frameworks and platforms to manage and analyse emissions-reduction data generated through the research and pilot activity. The aim is to improve consistency, transparency, and comparability across technologies and vessel types.

MERC managing director, Nikos Kakalis, said, “Our new research programme positions MERC as an implementation-focused industry platform helping shipowners navigate the practical realities of decarbonising under regulatory pressure and real market conditions.”