Singaporean shipbuilder Seatrium leads maritime decarbonization with world's first full-scale CCS retrofit on Norwegian ethylene carrier.
Singaporean shipbuilder Seatrium has been awarded a landmark contract by Solvang ASA, a progressive Norwegian shipowner, to perform the world’s first full-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) retrofit on an operational marine vessel. As reported by Offshore Energy Biz, the move signifies a tangible advance in maritime decarbonization efforts, spotlighting the industry's incremental shift toward more sustainable practices.
The initiative involves installing a cutting-edge 7MW Wärtsilä CCS system on the ethylene carrier Clipper Eris, which is anticipated to capture up to 70% of the vessel's CO2 emissions using advanced amine cleaning technology.The company's role encompasses the comprehensive scope of design, engineering, procurement, and integration of the CCS system. This undertaking not only marks a historical milestone for the maritime sector but also rallies the industry towards a reduced carbon footprint and a cleaner future.
The Clipper Eris will undergo a year of commercial operation with the newly installed system to evaluate its efficacy. A successful trial could lead to broader implementation across Solvang's fleet, including future newbuilds, as the company strives to align with the global shift towards sustainable energy and reduced carbon footprints in the shipping industry.
The collaboration between Seatrium and Solvang heralds a new era of progress in environmental technology for marine operations. "Solvang is pleased to partner with Seatrium for our full-scale pilot project for CO2 capture onboard Clipper Eris. We have a history of successful partnerships, and Seatrium's proven expertise in decarbonization retrofit work aligns with our strategic direction of delivering energy-efficient and green energy services," expressed Tor Ask, Fleet Director of Solvang ASA. The symbiotic partnership demonstrates both organizations' commitment to spearheading green initiatives within the maritime industry.
To Ask also highlighted previous endeavors in emission reduction, such as the installation of an Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS) for four of Solvang’s Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs). The choice to partner with Seatrium reflects Solvang’s strategic commitment to delivering efficient, eco-friendly energy solutions. Meanwhile, Executive Vice President of Seatrium Repairs and Upgrades, Alvin Gan, expressed enthusiasm about leading this frontier initiative, underscoring the potential for escalations in maritime decarbonization projects in the near future.
This undertaking emphasizes Seatrium's dedication to combatting climate change by promoting maritime decarbonization through a comprehensive approach that encompasses basic design, engineering, procurement, and integration of the CCS technology. The CCS technology will undergo rigorous trial over a year of the vessel's commercial operation, with eyes set on a broader application across Solvang's fleet, contingent on the pilot's success.
Solvang, with a fleet size of 22 LPG carriers and 7 more scheduled deliveries by 2026-2027, envisions the CCS retrofit as a pivotal pilot that will pave the way for more extensive decarbonization projects. The pilot's success on Clipper Eris could signal a transformative period for the maritime industry, demonstrating viability and prompting wider adoption of CCS technologies on commercial vessels. This endeavor could become a cornerstone for environmental sustainability within the industry, slashing carbon emissions and setting new standards for green shipping practices.
Source: Offshore Energy
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