Solvang first with full-scale onboard CCS
The world’s first ship with a full-scale carbon capture facility is ready for pilot testing. The hope is that this technology becomes a milestone for the world’s trading fleet on route to zero emissions.
“Onboard carbon capture combined with existing cleaning technology is a significant shortcut to decarbonization of the world’s deep-sea fleet. This stands out as one of the more promising solutions for future vessels”, says Edvin Endresen, CEO of Solvang ASA.
The ship Clipper Eris – owned by Solvang ASA – is the first to be installed with technology for “Onboard Carbon Capture & Storage” (OCCS). With OCCS, the exhaust is cleaned, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 70 per cent, before it is stored in deck tanks for discharge to sequestration or usage.
A major leap forward
This pilot project is a collaboration effort between Solvang, technology provider Wärtsilä, MAN Energy Solutions, and the research institute SINTEF. Solvang has seven new vessels under construction, all designed and ready for installation of OCCS technology.
“The introduction of carbon capture and storage capabilities on board the Clipper Eris is a major leap forward for maritime sustainability. It represents a system change that has been made possible by close collaboration between our companies. We at Wärtsilä are proud to be helping shape the decarbonization of the marine industry, and we congratulate Solvang for their vision and support in making this breakthrough possible,” says Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine.
Over the past few months, Clipper Eris has been in dry dock for a full retrofit. Equipped with the new OCCS technology, it is now ready for far stricter environmental requirements in the future. The project team is in Singapore on January 16th to present the project, and the vessel leaves the docks at Seatrium admiralty yard early February for pilot testing.
Two main factors for OCCS success
Launching the pilot testing is an important milestone in this project. For OCCS to be a success on a larger scale, more shipping companies and industry stakeholders must see the benefits and join in.
Solvang CEO Edvin Endresen points out two key factors for succeeding with OCCS technology in shipping: Infrastructure and global regulations.
“CO2 can be recycled and used in land-based industries, but the global infrastructure for discharge for shipping needs to be developed fast. In addition, IMO must implement global regulations with benefits and penalty schemes for achieving the set goals. Predictability is necessary for the industry to invest in solutions for reducing CO2 emissions,” says Edvin Endresen.
“CO2 can be recycled and used in land-based industries"
CEO Edvin Endresen
Reaching IMO´s green targets
For over a decade, the International Organization (IMO) has enforced regulatory action to cut greenhouse gases (GHG) from shipping. Solvang’s mission with the OCCS pilot is to install sustainable technology across the fleet and contribute to reduce global shipping’s environmental footprint.
The project goes alongside a series of substantial measures in the fields of optimizing machine operations, transmission technology, propeller and rudder improvements, hull optimization, as well as advanced open-loop scrubber technology.
In 2023, Solvang received funding from the Norwegian State, through Enova, making it possible to start the OCCS pilot project on Clipper Eris.
“Enova is following this demonstration project with great anticipation. Carbon capture on board ships is a very interesting technology, that can play an important role in the transition towards the low emission society,” says Børge Noddeland, senior advisor in Enova.
