Green Shipping: Carbon Capture and Ammonia Power Gain Traction in Maritime Industry

As the maritime sector pushes towards decarbonization, LNG continues to dominate headlines. However, January 2025 witnessed a significant surge in alternative energy solutions, particularly in carbon capture systems and ammonia-powered vessels. These emerging technologies are reshaping the industry’s approach to emissions reduction and sustainable shipping.

Carbon Capture Systems: A Game-Changer for Maritime Emissions

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology has emerged as a promising solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry. This innovative approach allows vessels to continue using traditional fuels while significantly cutting their carbon footprint.

Onboard Carbon Capture Systems

Onboard carbon capture (OCC) technologies are gaining traction as an effective method to reduce carbon emissions from ships during operation. These systems can be broadly categorized into two types:

1. Post-combustion systems: These capture CO2 from exhaust gases, separating and storing it onboard for later offloading.
2. Pre-combustion systems: These separate carbon from the fuel before combustion, producing hydrogen for use in dedicated energy conversion machinery.

Recent Developments in Maritime CCS

Several companies have made significant strides in developing and implementing CCS technologies for maritime applications:

• Value Maritime’s Filtree system, approved by Lloyd’s Register, has been successfully fitted on two Eastern Pacific Shipping carriers. This compact, ‘plug and play’ solution can capture up to 40% of CO2 emissions, with potential for future improvements.
• Hanwha Ocean has received Approval in Principle (AiP) for its energy-efficient OCCS system, which explores the use of ammonia water as a natural CO2 capture and storage method.
• The UK’s Department for Transport funded a project by PMW Technology to study the A3C carbon capture process, which extracts CO2 from exhaust gases by freezing and sublimation.

Ammonia-Powered Vessels: A Zero-Carbon Alternative

While carbon capture technologies offer a pathway to reduce emissions from existing fuel types, ammonia-powered vessels represent a potential zero-carbon future for maritime transport.

Advantages of Ammonia as a Marine Fuel

• Zero carbon emissions when burned
• Higher energy density compared to hydrogen
• Easier to store and transport than other alternative fuels

Industry Progress

Major shipping companies and engine manufacturers are investing heavily in ammonia-powered technology:

• MAN Energy Solutions has announced plans to deliver its first ammonia-fueled, two-stroke engine in 2024.
• Wärtsilä is developing ammonia-ready engines and fuel supply systems.
• Several shipowners, including NYK Line and Maersk, have ordered ammonia-fueled vessels for delivery in the coming years.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite the promising developments in both carbon capture and ammonia-powered technologies, several challenges remain:

Carbon Capture Hurdles

• Space and weight constraints on vessels
• Energy requirements for capture and storage processes
• Development of offloading infrastructure and CO2 transport networks

Ammonia Adoption Barriers

• Production of green ammonia at scale
• Safety concerns related to ammonia’s toxicity
• Retrofitting existing vessels for ammonia use

The Road Ahead

As the maritime industry continues its journey towards decarbonization, a multi-faceted approach appears to be emerging. While LNG serves as a transitional fuel, carbon capture technologies offer a near-term solution for reducing emissions from conventional fuels. Simultaneously, ammonia and other zero-carbon fuels are positioning themselves as long-term alternatives for a truly sustainable shipping future.The success of these competing energy solutions will likely depend on factors such as:

• Regulatory support and incentives
• Technological advancements to improve efficiency and reduce costs
• Development of necessary infrastructure for fuel production, distribution, and CO2 storage
• Industry collaboration and knowledge sharing

As we move through 2025 and beyond, the maritime sector is poised for a transformative period. The interplay between carbon capture systems, ammonia-powered vessels, and other emerging technologies will shape the industry’s path to achieving ambitious emissions reduction targets and securing a sustainable future for global shipping.