A recent report by Lloyd's Register (LR) pinpoints specific vessel types as the most suitable for the immediate integration of onboard carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems. These include MR and chemical tankers, vessels powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), and feeder ships. The study, titled "Applying Onboard Carbon Capture & Storage to Existing Ships," indicates that onboard CCS has progressed beyond theoretical concepts and is now entering the commercialization phase.
Currently, full-scale installations are achieving carbon dioxide capture rates between 30% and 40%. Larger pilot projects are in development, with ambitions to reach capture efficiencies of approximately 70%. The report emphasizes that clear regulatory frameworks are essential to support and accelerate the broader adoption of this technology within the maritime industry.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, the wider adoption of onboard CCS could eventually impact vessel operating costs, potentially influencing freight rates. While not an immediate concern for routing or capacity, the long-term shift towards decarbonization technologies like CCS will be a factor in carrier investment and compliance with future emissions regulations. This could lead to a differentiation in service offerings based on environmental performance, which might become a consideration for shippers with stringent ESG targets. The need for regulatory certainty also means that the pace of adoption could be slow until clear guidelines and incentives are established.
