Maritime decarbonisation is entering a new phase. As carbon pricing expands, emissions regulations tighten and alternative fuel availability remains uncertain, shipowners are facing difficult decisions about how to decarbonise existing vessels while maintaining commercial viability. For many operators, fuel switching alone may not be enough - or may not be practical within the remaining life of their vessels.
This latest report from Lloyd's Register's Retrofit Research Programme explores whether onboard carbon capture and storage (oCCS) could provide a new pathway to reduce emissions from ships that will continue operating on carbon-based fuels for years to come. Can onboard carbon capture bridge the gap to maritime net zero?
This comprehensive study examines the technical, commercial and regulatory realities of retrofitting carbon capture technology onto existing ships. Drawing on the latest pilot projects, operational experience and market developments, it provides an evidence-based assessment of where oCCS could play a role in shipping's transition. The report covers
- The current status of oCCS technology – from commercially deployed amine systems to emerging technologies such as cryogenic capture, membrane separation and mineralisation.
- Real-world deployment experience from pioneering projects including Eastern Pacific Shipping's Pacific Cobalt, Solvang's Clipper Eris pilot and Project CAPTURED.
- The regulatory landscape covering EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime, IMO developments and emerging verification requirements.
- The business case for retrofit projects, including capital costs, fuel penalties, carbon pricing impacts and segment-specific economics.
- Which vessel types are strongest candidates today, and where the technology is likely to deliver the greatest value.
- The developing carbon value chain, from onboard capture and storage through to offloading, transport and permanent sequestration.
oCCS is no longer a theoretical concept. Commercial installations are already operating, pilot projects are generating valuable operational data, and the supporting carbon value chain is beginning to emerge. Yet significant technical, regulatory and commercial questions remain. This report distils complex industry developments and provides a balanced, practical assessment of where onboard carbon capture could fit into shipping's energy transition journey.
Download the report now to understand whether onboard carbon capture could become a viable retrofit pathway for your fleet.
