A consortium of Korean maritime technology companies has successfully installed a proprietary onboard carbon capture system on a sub-Panamax container ship, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards decarbonization in the shipping industry. Verification and operational testing of the system will commence soon.
Collaborating closely, Samsung Heavy Industries, HMM, Panasia, and Korea Register have developed a carbon capture system composed entirely of Korean-made components. This ambitious project saw the system fully installed on the 2,200 TEU boxship HMM Mongla in just over a year from the project’s inception, following a thorough risk assessment and review by the class society.
“Carbon capture technology is highly regarded as one of the effective measures for reducing greenhouse gases, drawing significant attention from the international community and the shipping industry. Based on the experience and outcomes of this successful project, KR will make every effort to support the shipping industry in timely decarbonization,” stated a KR spokesperson.
The field of onboard carbon capture is rapidly evolving, with promising initial results from research conducted in leading shipping nations. According to Bureau Veritas (BV), carbon capture systems are projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 82-90 percent, a substantial decrease that could significantly impact the industry’s carbon footprint.
However, these technologies come with their own set of challenges. The captured carbon must be stored onboard until the end of the voyage, necessitating careful planning to accommodate the additional volume and weight of the CO2. It is noted that burning one kilo of fuel generates approximately three kilos of CO2 gas, which then must be stored in compressed or liquefied form on the ship.
Despite these challenges, several other companies are also venturing into the realm of onboard carbon capture. Notable early adopters include Capital Gas, MOL, TotalEnergies, Solvang, and Heerema. Preliminary tests on the LNG carrier Seapeak Arwa have shown that capture rates of around 85 percent are feasible in practical applications.
Innovative Maritime Tech to Undergo Testing
This Korean-led project is a testament to the potential of collaborative innovation in addressing the environmental challenges faced by the maritime industry. The successful development and installation of this carbon capture system on HMM Mongla demonstrate the technical viability and promise of such technologies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.
As the global community intensifies its efforts to combat climate change, the maritime industry is under increasing pressure to find and implement sustainable solutions. Onboard carbon capture represents one of the many technological advancements being explored to meet these goals. The progress made by this Korean consortium could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives worldwide, showcasing the critical role of technology in achieving a greener future for global shipping.
With operational testing set to begin, the outcomes of this project will be closely watched by industry stakeholders. The insights gained from these tests will be invaluable in refining the technology and understanding its practical implications on a larger scale. Success in this endeavor could pave the way for broader adoption of carbon capture systems across the shipping industry, significantly contributing to global decarbonization efforts.
The installation of the carbon capture system on HMM Mongla marks a pivotal step in the ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector. The collaboration between Samsung Heavy Industries, HMM, Panasia, and Korea Register highlights the potential for national innovation to drive global environmental progress. As the shipping industry navigates the challenges of decarbonization, the advancements achieved through this project offer a promising glimpse into a more sustainable future.
