Seabound Launches World-First Onboard Marine Carbon Capture

Seabound, a UK-based leader in marine carbon capture, has initiated a pioneering onboard carbon capture project in collaboration with Hartmann Group and InterMaritime Group. This innovative project involves the UBC Cork, a cement-carrying ship, which will utilize Seabound’s compact carbon capture technology. The captured carbon will be converted into limestone and delivered to Heidelberg Materials’ cement plant in Brevik, Norway, marking a significant step towards producing net-zero concrete.

Innovative Technology for a Sustainable Future

Marine shipping is responsible for nearly 3% of global CO₂ emissions, making it a challenging sector to decarbonize. In response to increasing regulatory pressures, including a new global carbon price introduced by the International Maritime Organization, shipowners are actively seeking effective solutions to reduce emissions. Seabound’s onboard carbon capture system employs calcium looping technology, which can capture up to 95% of CO₂ and 98% of sulfur emissions from ship exhaust. This system utilizes calcium hydroxide to absorb CO₂, converting it into limestone that is safely stored onboard until the ship returns to port.

The compact design of Seabound’s system allows for easy installation with minimal modifications to the vessel, making it suitable for various ship types. This innovative approach decouples carbon capture from post-processing, resulting in lower energy requirements and reduced costs compared to traditional liquefied CO₂ systems. Alisha Fredriksson, CEO of Seabound, expressed pride in partnering with industry leaders to deliver scalable carbon capture solutions, particularly in Brevik, which is emerging as a global hub for carbon capture and storage (CCS).

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The limestone produced from the captured carbon will be utilized at Heidelberg Materials’ Brevik plant, which is already operational and captures 400,000 tons of CO₂ annually. This facility, in conjunction with the Northern Lights project, represents a significant advancement in the cement industry’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions. Lars Erik Marcussen, Project Manager at Heidelberg Materials, emphasized the importance of this project in reducing emissions associated with cement shipping and enhancing the circular use of captured CO₂.

Collaborative Efforts Towards Decarbonization

This collaboration signifies a major advancement in the maritime industry’s approach to sustainability. Heidelberg Materials aims to significantly reduce its Scope 3 emissions from maritime transport by integrating various methods, including Seabound’s carbon capture technology. Hartmann Group’s involvement provides essential operational expertise, positioning the company to meet evolving regulatory demands while enhancing its commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

Captain Jayant Singh, Director at Hartmann Group, highlighted the company’s dedication to investing in sustainable technologies that minimize the maritime carbon footprint. The project is co-funded by the Eurostars partnership on Innovative SMEs, part of Horizon Europe, which supports collaborative research and development initiatives aimed at driving innovation in various sectors, including maritime transport.

Seabound’s mission is ambitious: to capture 100 million tonnes of CO₂ annually by 2040, representing 10% of the global shipping sector’s emissions. The company is actively engaging with shipowners, cargo companies, and industrial players to expand the adoption of its technology and maximize its impact on reducing maritime emissions. As the industry moves towards a low-emission future, this project stands as a testament to the potential of innovative solutions in addressing climate challenges.