Spain – In a groundbreaking move towards curbing carbon emissions from maritime transport, a ship-based carbon capture (SBCC) prototype has taken center stage. Developed as part of the EverLoNG project, this innovation marks a significant leap in sustainable shipping practices.
The installation of the carbon capture unit, crafted by carbon capture solutions provider Carbotreat in the Netherlands, took place on an LNG-powered carrier owned by energy giant TotalEnergies while in drydock in Spain. This milestone was achieved through collaborative efforts led by the Dutch research and development organization TNO.
Project goal
The primary goal of the EverLoNG project is to demonstrate the efficacy of ship-based carbon capture technology, effectively capturing CO2 from the vessel’s exhaust. This initiative aims to capture ten tonnes of CO2 during a 3000-hour test campaign onboard TotalEnergies’ LNG carrier. The data gathered from this trial will shed light on various aspects, including environmental emissions, capture rates in motion, and behavior of the capture solvent.
The captured CO2 will be stored as a liquid in a pressurized vessel onboard and subsequently off-loaded for transportation to industrial sites or permanent subsurface storage.
However, the ambitions of the project don’t stop here. After the successful trial on TotalEnergies’ vessel, the SBCC equipment will be transitioned to a second ship. This vessel, Heerema’s LNG-powered Sleipnir crane ship, will host another campaign of around 500 hours of CO2 capture operations. This comparative study will offer valuable insights into system performance under varying conditions.
The vision
The overarching vision of EverLoNG is to achieve a remarkable 70% reduction in CO2 emissions from ships, mainly focusing on LNG-powered vessels without SBCC. By providing a baseline for comparison, this project aims to underscore the significant impact of SBCC on emissions reduction.
Crucially, the initiative is also striving for cost-effectiveness. The project envisions reducing the expenses associated with CO2 capture and onboard storage to below 100 €/ton for initial implementations by 2025 and an even more economical 50 €/ton for subsequent phases.
Beyond technology development, EverLoNG is keenly examining the off-loading, transportation, and storage of captured CO2 within multiple CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) chains. Simultaneously, it’s assessing the impact of SBCC on ship infrastructure, stability, and safety, ensuring the technology’s technical feasibility.
Wider impact
Additionally, the project aims to refine off-loading strategies and establish port-side infrastructure, forming the CO2 Shipping Interoperability Industry Group (CSIIG) to facilitate these endeavors. The project advocates for a comprehensive roadmap to establish a robust European off-loading network.
EverLoNG’s collaborative effort involves 18 companies, from research institutions like TNO and SINTEF to industry leaders like TotalEnergies and Lloyd’s Register. This comprehensive partnership reflects the shared commitment to revolutionize maritime emissions and drive sustainable change.
