In a recent presentation, DNV head of maritime R&D and advisory Greece, Chara Georgopoulou, highlighted carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a technically feasible pathway for reducing emissions within the tanker industry.
However, she underscored that the practical application of CCS in tankers remains complex, largely due to spatial and energy demands on board.
Ms Georgopoulou pointed out while some pilot projects have showcased CCS potential, tankers face unique challenges related to space and energy capacity.
“The vessel itself is the main limitation,” she stated, explaining the necessary components for carbon capture – such as storage units and boilers – already exist on board, but their integration requires careful design considerations to avoid excessive fuel penalties.
Collaborating with TMS Tankers, DNV used a Suezmax vessel as a benchmark to test different carbon capture integration scenarios.
Ms Georgopoulou described the analysis process, which used a digital twin to simulate energy and emissions trade-offs across varied CCS configurations. The baseline scenario, involving no system integration, resulted in an 11% net emissions reduction but increased fuel consumption by 9%.
With enhanced integration of auxiliary engines and economisers, however, net CO2 reduction reached 28%, offering what Ms Georgopoulou described as a “realistic starting point” for effective decarbonisation.
Ms Georgopoulou also addressed cost concerns, stating CCS is currently economically comparable to biofuels, especially when fully integrated. She noted, “An owner looking for high capture rates will need to consider well-integrated CCS technology,” suggesting simple CCS setups may suffice for operators focused on moderate capture goals.
When questioned about safety and containment, Ms Georgopoulou highlighted the use of pressurised tanks and standardised liquefaction units, emphasising safety remains a top priority.
She also acknowledged broader industry alignment and regulatory support are necessary to ensure captured CO2 is permanently sequestered rather than re-released into the atmosphere.
Ms Georgopoulou was speaking at the Riviera’s Tanker Shipping & Trade Conference, held in London on 22 October 2024.
source: riviera
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