Turning Ship Exhaust into Cement: A First Step Towards Decarbonizing Global Trade
Nearly 3% of global carbon emissions come from maritime shipping – a figure that’s shockingly difficult to reduce. Unlike cars or planes, simply ‘switching to electric’ isn’t an option for massive cargo vessels. Now, a UK startup is offering a surprisingly tangible solution: capturing carbon dioxide directly from ship exhaust and transforming it into a key ingredient for cement. This isn’t a futuristic pipe dream; it’s happening now, with the first commercial installation of carbon capture technology onboard the cement carrier UBC Cork.
Seabound’s Breakthrough: From Exhaust to Building Material
Developed by Seabound, the system works by funneling exhaust gases into a chamber filled with calcium hydroxide pebbles. Through a chemical reaction, the CO₂ is converted into calcium carbonate – essentially limestone – a crucial component in cement production. This limestone isn’t wasted; it’s offloaded in Norway and delivered to Heidelberg Materials’ Brevik cement plant, where it’s integrated into the production of ‘greener’ concrete. The beauty of the system lies in its modularity, allowing it to be retrofitted onto existing vessels with minimal disruption.
Seabound claims impressive capture rates – up to 95% of CO₂ and 98% of sulphur emissions. While not a complete solution, it represents a significant leap forward. “We need to start decarbonising today,” says Seabound CEO Alisha Frediksson, acknowledging that alternative fuels are still a decade or more away from widespread adoption.
Why Shipping is a Decarbonization Challenge
The shipping industry’s reliance on diesel fuel presents a unique challenge. Battery technology isn’t currently scalable enough to power long-distance voyages, and alternative propulsion methods like nuclear power face significant regulatory and public acceptance hurdles. The most promising long-term solutions – hydrogen and ammonia – require entirely new ship designs and a massive overhaul of global port infrastructure.
This is where onboard carbon capture steps in as a crucial ‘bridge’ technology. It allows the industry to address emissions now, while simultaneously investing in the development of sustainable fuels. It’s a pragmatic approach to a complex problem.
The Scale of the Ambition: 100 Million Tonnes by 2040
Seabound isn’t aiming for small-scale impact. The company has already conducted successful trials with Hapag-Lloyd and Lomar Shipping and is now targeting the capture of 100 million tonnes of CO₂ annually by 2040 – representing 10% of the shipping sector’s total emissions. This ambitious goal is supported by funding from the EU’s Eurostars program and the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute.
However, scaling up presents challenges. The logistics of collecting and processing the captured limestone, ensuring consistent performance across diverse vessel types, and managing the costs associated with the technology will all be critical factors in Seabound’s success.
Beyond Seabound: The Growing Carbon Capture Landscape
Seabound isn’t alone in exploring carbon capture solutions for the maritime industry. Several other companies are developing similar technologies, and research is ongoing into more efficient and cost-effective methods. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is also pushing for stricter emissions regulations, creating further incentives for innovation. Learn more about IMO’s environmental efforts.
The Future of Carbon Capture in Shipping: A Synergistic Approach
The long-term vision isn’t simply to capture carbon; it’s to create a circular economy where captured CO₂ becomes a valuable resource. Imagine a future where ships not only transport goods but also contribute to the production of sustainable materials like cement, plastics, and even synthetic fuels. This requires collaboration across the entire value chain – from shipping companies and technology developers to cement manufacturers and policymakers.
Ultimately, the success of onboard carbon capture will depend on its ability to integrate seamlessly with the broader decarbonization efforts of the shipping industry. It’s not a silver bullet, but it’s a vital piece of the puzzle.
What role do you see for carbon capture technologies in achieving a sustainable maritime future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
