The Maritime Efficient & Easy Carbon Capture (ME2CC) project has received funding from the Dutch Maritime Masterplan for the development, construction, and demonstration of a compact, modular onboard carbon capture (OCC) system to be installed on the multipurpose vessel in question.
The ME2CC project aims to create a scalable, compact OCC solution that utilises patented techniques to reduce the system's height and footprint by up to one-third compared to existing absorption technologies, while maintaining low pressure drop.
"This innovative approach, combined with the use of hot flue gas for onboard electricity generation, enhances both operational efficiency and emission reduction. By capturing CO2 emissions and simultaneously reducing fuel consumption, the ME2CC system addresses two critical challenges for the maritime industry: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering operating costs," the project parties said in a press release.
The ME2CC consortium also underlined, "This modular and scalable system is designed to accommodate a wide range of vessel types, from short-sea and inland shipping to large offshore vessels. The modular design also facilitates easy installation and removal, enabling leasing models for carbon capture technology."
The captured CO2 will be offloaded in a port and transported to land-based CO2 hubs for processing & preparing for downstream applications, including in agriculture.
"We are delighted to have been awarded this funding, which provides an important stimulus to the ME2CC project, and to the maritime energy transition. The combination of low costs for shipping companies and the compact, modular nature of this solution makes it highly scalable and widely applicable. This initiative underscores our commitment to driving meaningful change in the maritime industry," commented Christiaan Nijst, Co-Founder & Director of the Value Group.
Head of Vessel Management at Samskip, Erik Hofmeester, added, "We have spent years actively pursuing sustainable solutions across our fleet, and the retrofitting of Samskip Kvitbjorn aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of shipping. Working alongside Value Maritime and the ME2CC consortium members, we are ensuring that Samskip Kvitbjorn meets the low-emission requirements set by the EU and Norwegian authorities, all while continuing to provide reliable service for our customers."
Fokke van der Veen, Program Manager Energy Systems at Maritime Masterplan, also said, "We are very pleased that this ambitious consortium, ME2CC, is part of the first call within the Maritime Masterplan. Development and demonstration of onboard carbon capture with an LNG [liquefied natural gas] energy system will certainly lead to a more sustainable maritime future."
The ME2CC consortium, headed by Value Maritime, comprises Samskip Holding, B2B Marine, Fusie Engineers, Devoteq, Brusche Process Technology, Heatmaster, and the Yard Energy Group. The partners will use the knowledge gained in the development of a small-scale OCC system installed on the vessel Nordica two years ago.
The crane-equipped Samskip Kvitbjorn, offering 1,500 lane metres for wheeled cargo and which can take 120 TEUs and has 1,500 tonnes of reefer space in the lower holds, plies between Hammerfest and Rotterdam.
Photo: Maritime Masterplan/ME2CC