The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has published an extensive 146-page report that highlights onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) as a critical short-term method for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships. The report emphasizes that OCCS technology is gaining traction and presents a realistic option for the maritime sector to achieve its decarbonization targets, especially given the current limited availability of scalable alternative fuels.
This endorsement comes as the shipping industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint. While long-term solutions often focus on new fuel types like green methanol or ammonia, their widespread production and bunkering infrastructure are still under development. OCCS offers a way for existing vessels to significantly cut emissions without waiting for these future fuels to become readily accessible.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, the adoption of OCCS could influence operational costs and vessel availability. Carriers investing in OCCS technology might incur higher capital expenditures, potentially leading to adjustments in freight rates. However, it could also offer a more reliable path to compliance with upcoming environmental regulations, potentially reducing the risk of penalties or trade restrictions for vessels that might otherwise struggle to meet emissions standards. This could also affect vessel routing choices as carriers prioritize compliant ships.
The ICS report suggests that OCCS is a pragmatic step for the industry to take now, bridging the gap until truly zero-emission fuels become the norm. The focus will likely shift to the practical implementation challenges, such as the logistics of offloading captured CO2 and the energy requirements for the capture process onboard.
