A pioneering carbon capture system has been commercially deployed on a cargo ship, marking a significant step in decarbonizing the maritime industry. Developed by UK-based startup Seabound, the technology is installed on the cement carrier UBC Cork. It captures CO2 emissions from the vessel’s exhaust and converts them into calcium carbonate, or limestone, a key ingredient for cement. This innovative process not only reduces the shipping sector’s substantial environmental footprint but also creates a valuable construction material, establishing a circular economy model for one of the world’s hardest-to-abate industries.
The world’s first commercial installation of this ship-based carbon capture technology is now operational aboard the German-owned UBC Cork. The system intercepts exhaust gases from the ship’s diesel engines and channels them into a high-pressure chamber filled with calcium hydroxide pebbles. Through a chemical reaction, the captured CO2 is transformed into solid calcium carbonate, effectively turning harmful emissions into a raw material that can be used directly in construction.
Instead of being released into the atmosphere, the newly formed limestone is stored on the vessel during its voyage. The UBC Cork will deliver this captured carbon to the Heidelberg Materials cement facility in Brevik, Norway. This plant is an ideal partner for the project as it already operates its own carbon capture installation, allowing for the seamless integration of ship-generated materials into its greener concrete production processes.
Performance data indicates the system is highly effective, capable of trapping up to 95% of CO2 and 98% of sulfur compounds from engine exhaust. This comprehensive pollution reduction addresses both climate change and air quality concerns in coastal communities. A key advantage is the technology’s modular design, which allows it to be retrofitted onto existing vessels without requiring major structural modifications, accelerating its potential adoption across the global fleet.
Seabound CEO and co-founder Alisha Fredriksson emphasized the need for immediate climate action, noting that viable alternative fuels for maritime transport are still at least a decade away. This technology provides a tangible solution for reducing emissions today. Following successful trials with major shipping companies, including Hapag-Lloyd and Lomar Shipping, this first commercial deployment is a critical milestone. The company aims to capture 100 million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2040, representing 10% of the sector’s total emissions.
The system offers practical and economic advantages. The equipment fits within standard shipping containers, minimizing its onboard space requirements, and installation can be completed in weeks, reducing downtime. Beyond helping operators comply with stricter international emissions regulations, the technology creates a new revenue stream by turning waste into a valuable product. This provides shipping companies with a saleable commodity and cement plants with a consistent supply of raw materials, lessening the need for traditional limestone quarrying.