What's Happening?
A recent report commissioned by Transport & Environment (T&E) explores the feasibility and challenges of Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage (OCCS) in the shipping industry. The report indicates that while capturing CO2 onboard ships is technically feasible,
real-world application faces significant hurdles. These include the additional energy required to operate the system, space and weight constraints on ships, and the reliability of the technology during regular voyages. Furthermore, the scalability of OCCS is contingent upon the availability of infrastructure to measure, store, and transfer captured CO2 to verified permanent sinks, which are currently limited. The report highlights the need for consistent measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) rules to facilitate the deployment of OCCS beyond pilot projects.
Why It's Important?
The shipping industry is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, and finding effective ways to reduce these emissions is crucial for meeting international climate goals. Onboard Carbon Capture presents a potential solution, but its implementation is fraught with technical and logistical challenges. The industry's focus on OCCS could divert attention and resources from the development of long-term solutions such as clean fuels. The success of OCCS could have a substantial impact on the industry's ability to transition to more sustainable practices, but only if the identified challenges are addressed.
What's Next?
For OCCS to become a viable solution, the shipping industry will need to invest in the necessary infrastructure and develop robust MRV systems. Collaboration between industry stakeholders, governments, and environmental organizations will be essential to overcome the current limitations. The development of permanent CO2 sinks and the establishment of clear regulatory frameworks will also be critical to the widespread adoption of OCCS technology.
