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Shipbased carbon capture

Ship-Based Carbon Capture (SBCC) (also named Onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS)) is a technology that captures CO₂ from ships to store it.

Alternative fuelsMarine shipping

Introduction

Ship-Based Carbon Capture (SBCC) (also named Onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS)) is an onboard emissions abatement technology that captures CO₂ from ship exhaust gases and stores the captured CO₂ temporarily in dedicated tanks for offloading in port. The technology can be integrated with vessels using conventional marine fuels such as HFO, MGO, LNG, and alternative carbon-containing fuels, like methanol. Captured CO₂ can subsequently be permanently stored underground or used as feedstock in industrial processes and e-fuel production. SBCC is increasingly being considered as a transitional decarbonisation option for deep-sea shipping segments where alternative zero-carbon fuels remain expensive or insufficiently available. Current pilot projects indicate net CO₂ reductions of approximately 60–90%, depending on vessel design, energy integration, and capture rate.

Value proposition

  • GHG emission reduction

    For existing vessels

  • Preserving existing fuel supply chains

  • Attractive for larger vessels with long economic lifetimes

SBCC addresses the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from existing vessels without requiring a complete transition to alternative fuels. The technology can enable substantial CO₂ reductions while preserving existing fuel supply chains and vessel propulsion systems. It is in compliance with increasingly stringent regulations, including IMO greenhouse gas targets, FuelEU Maritime, and potentially the EU ETS framework. For shipowners, SBCC offers an additional decarbonisation pathway that may be particularly attractive for larger vessels with long economic lifetimes. The concept is particularly relevant for tanker, bulk carrier and container ports due to the suitability of larger vessels for SBCC installation. However, implementation requires significant capital investment and access to CO₂ receiving infrastructure in ports

Port applicability

SBCC is applicable to international cargo ports that handle medium- and large-sized vessels. Ports serving LNG-fueled vessels may offer additional synergies, because LNG systems facilitate heat and cold integration. Smaller maritime and inland ports without access to CO₂ transport, utilisation, or storage infrastructure are less suited to support widespread SBCC deployment. Cruise and cargo ports can both benefit, provided adequate CO₂ offloading infrastructure is available.

Groups of innovations

  • Solvent-based onboard CO₂ capture

    The most mature SBCC option, typically using Mono-Ethanolamine (MEA) or advanced amine solvents to absorb CO₂ from exhaust gases in combination with HFO/MGO or LNG. Demonstrated at pilot scale and currently reaching TRL 7–8. Advantages include relatively high capture efficiencies and established industrial knowledge. Disadvantages include energy consumption, solvent degradation, and space requirements. Another option is with absorption liquids with shore-side regeneration.

  • Modular SBCC systems

    Standardised containerised systems designed to reduce installation costs and facilitate retrofitting instead of bespoke design independent of the type of technology above. Modularisation can improve scalability and reduce engineering complexity. However, this concept still is in development and lacks maturity/ standardardisation.

  • Integrated capture-storage-offloading chains

    Systems optimised for the complete value chain from onboard capture to port offloading and geological storage or utilisation. These concepts maximise overall climate benefits.

  • SBCC combined with low-emission fuels

    Future concepts combine SBCC with bio- or e-methanol, LNG or bio-based fuels to achieve very high emission reductions. Such combinations are therefore very interesting, but require greater operational complexity.

Impact

Impact level per aspect
ImpactLevelRemark
GHG emissions (tank-to-wake)Very large impact
Up to 90% CO₂ capture achievable under most favorable conditions.
GHG emissions (well-to-wake)Large impact
Depends on CO₂ transport, utilisation or storage chain.
Air pollutionLimited impact
Limited direct impact; since these pollutants aren’t captured, may require additional treatment systems.
Port emissionsLarge impact
Significant reduction in vessel emissions attributable to port calls.
SafetyLimited impact
Additional safety management required for CO₂ storage and handling.
CircularityMedium impact
Captured CO₂ may be reused in industrial applications and e-fuels.
Spatial impactLimited impact
Requires onboard storage tanks and (some) dedicated port infrastructure.
Climate resilienceLarge impact
Supports near-term maritime decarbonisation objectives.

Port characteristics

A port supporting SBCC should ideally possess: • Port authority and regulatory approval • CO₂ receiving and offloading facilities. • Connection to CO₂ transport networks. • Access to geological storage or industrial utilisation routes. • Sufficient safety and environmental management capacity. Ports connected to projects such as Porthos (Rotterdam), Northern Lights, or other CCUS hubs are likely to become early adopters of SBCC.

Barriers and enablers

Enablers

  • EconomicEnabler

    Increasing carbon prices improve abatement economics.

  • TechnologyEnabler

    Capture technologies have reached demonstration stage (TRL 7–8).

Barriers

  • EconomicBarrier

    High CAPEX for capture systems and CO₂ storage tanks on board.

  • KnowledgeBarrier

    Limited operational experience with commercial-scale SBCC.

  • Standards & regulationBarrier

    Uncertainty regarding accounting of captured CO₂ within IMO and EU regulations.

  • Stakeholder interactionBarrier

    Requires coordination between ports, shipowners, terminal operators and storage providers.

  • InfrastructureBarrier

    Limited availability of CO₂ receiving, transport and storage infrastructure.

How to implement?

  1. Step 1

    Assess expected SBCC vessel traffic

  2. Step 2

    Construct pilot-scale CO₂ unloading facilities

  3. Step 3

    Establish commercial operating procedures

  4. Step 4

    Expand infrastructure capacity

Timeline

The arrow below represents the expected development of the TRL of SBCC.
* Technical Readiness Level

What should a port do in the next 3 years?

• Develop a strategic SBCC roadmap aligned with port decarbonisation plans. • Assess future CO₂ handling volumes. • Create partnerships with CCUS infrastructure providers. • Establish safety and permitting frameworks. • Support demonstration projects and pilot operations. • Monitor IMO and EU regulatory developments. • Integrate SBCC into broader carbon management strategies.

Investment overview

CAPEX • CO₂ unloading systems. • Temporary CO₂ storage facilities. • Pipeline and transfer connections. • Safety and monitoring systems. • Integration with CCUS infrastructure. OPEX • Personnel training and operations. • Inspection and maintenance. • CO₂ quality monitoring. • Energy requirements for transfer and storage. • Safety management and regulatory compliance. For shipowners, current abatement costs are typically estimated in the range of approximately USD 130–290 per tonne CO₂ avoided, depending on vessel size and system integration.

Stakeholder overview

Below is an overview of the required involved stakeholders.
Blue stakeholders are essential, white stakeholders are enabling

Knowledge base