LR Issues First Class Notation for Onboard Carbon Capture Technology in Shipping

Onboard carbon capture technology has reached a significant milestone with Lloyd’s Register issuing the first class notation for the technology, marking a crucial step in the future of shipping. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has long been utilized onshore, but onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) is gaining momentum as a viable solution for meeting emission reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The first vessel to receive this notation is the Pacific Cobalt, a mid-range chemical carrier retrofitted in 2023 with an OCCS system supplied by Value Maritime, capable of capturing up to 40 percent of CO2 emissions from exhaust gases.

Eastern Pacific Shipping, the owner of the Pacific Cobalt, sees this retrofit as a pivotal moment in their sustainable shipping journey. The OCCS system, developed by Value Maritime, stores captured emissions onboard in tanks, which can later be transferred ashore for processing. Lloyd’s Register’s Emission Abatement Carbon Capture & Storage (EACCS) class notation ensures that safety risks associated with the installation have been mitigated and that the solution is effective and reliable, providing further confidence for ship owners considering adopting this technology.

The issuance of the first LR class notation for onboard carbon capture is a significant development for the maritime industry, according to Value Maritime’s Operations Director. The Filtree System, utilized in the Pacific Cobalt, combines SOx exhaust cleaning with CO2 capture, demonstrating a holistic approach to reducing emissions. Approval in Principle was granted to the Filtree System in September 2022, with the Pacific Cobalt being the first of three EPS MR tankers to be fitted with the CCS system. Equipment surveys are currently underway on the other two vessels, showcasing the industry’s commitment to sustainable maritime operations and decarbonization goals.

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