Guidelines for Implementing Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage in Maritime Industry

The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has issued a new report providing guidance to the industry on the implementation of onboard carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. The report emphasizes the importance of having a secure downstream value chain as a prerequisite for onboard CCS adoption. It highlights that societal acceptance of onboard CCS will only be achieved when captured CO2 can be safely transferred into long-term storage, ensured by a reliable MRV system. Additionally, the report stresses the need for onboard CCS systems to be cost-effective, considering the significant energy and capital requirements for their operation and installation.

The recommendations outlined in the report include collaborating to establish a secure downstream value chain for CO2 offloading, transport infrastructure, and long-term storage, supported by MRV schemes. It also suggests setting clear and consistent regulations on safety and environmental performance, specifically tailored for onboard CCS, covering aspects like equipment design, risk assessment, and emergency response procedures. Furthermore, the report advises incorporating onboard CCS into existing regulations such as EEDI, EEXI, CII, EU ETS, and FuelEU Maritime measures, and developing certification schemes for CO2 value chain infrastructure.

To ensure safe and efficient implementation of onboard CCS, the report proposes defining acceptable levels of CO2 impurities, creating standardized guidelines for CO2 handling, including offloading procedures and port infrastructure requirements. It also recommends amending Safety Management Systems and providing specialized training programs for crew members on operating, maintaining, and responding to emergencies related to onboard CCS systems. Lastly, the report emphasizes the importance of advancing onboard CCS technologies to enhance CO2 capture rates, reduce energy demand, increase cost-effectiveness, and conducting pilot projects to gain operational experience with onboard CCS systems.

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