Value Group, consisting of Value Maritime and Value Carbon, has announced a €2 million investment from the Energietransitiefonds Rotterdam (ETF-R) to further the development of its innovative CO₂ offloading and processing hub in Rotterdam. This partnership with ETF-R will accelerate the establishment of the Value Hub, a key project that aims to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions in the maritime industry while contributing to the broader decarbonization efforts in Rotterdam.
Pioneering Carbon Capture Technology
Value Maritime, a leading company within Value Group, has developed and deployed the groundbreaking Filtree system, which is one of the first commercially viable hybrid CO₂ capture and exhaust gas cleaning technologies for ships. The Filtree system offers a multi-faceted environmental solution by capturing and storing CO₂ from ship emissions, as well as removing harmful sulphur, ultra-fine particulate matter, and other pollutants from exhaust gases and washwater.
The technology is designed to not only meet current environmental regulations but also to comply with future standards. Its onboard carbon capture feature enables vessels to store the CO₂ they collect in dedicated fixed tanks or mobile battery containers. This captured CO₂ can then be offloaded at the Value Hub in Rotterdam for reuse or permanent storage, a process managed by Value Carbon, the land-based sister company specializing in carbon management.
Expanding the CO₂ Hub in Rotterdam
With ETF-R’s financial backing, the Value Group aims to accelerate the development of its CO₂ hub in Rotterdam, which will serve as a model for future hubs across the maritime industry. The facility will play a crucial role in managing the offloading and processing of CO₂ from ships, ensuring that the carbon captured from maritime emissions is handled sustainably.
The Value Hub will also support the efficient processing of CO₂ for reuse in various sectors. A notable pilot program currently underway in South Holland showcases how captured CO₂ can be used in agricultural settings. By releasing the CO₂ during the day, the technology enhances photosynthesis in greenhouse plants, demonstrating a sustainable application that extends beyond shipping and into other industries.
Strategic Partnerships for Growth and Innovation
Maarten Lodewijks, Co-Founder and Director of Value Group, emphasized the importance of the ETF-R investment in accelerating the group’s efforts. He said, “With ETF-R as a new shareholder, Value Group gains a strong strategic partner to push forward the development of our Value Hub in Rotterdam. This partnership will help us realize the hub’s full potential and pave the way for the expansion of our patented carbon capture technology.”
ETF-R, managed by InnovationQuarter, is an investment fund dedicated to supporting sustainable innovations that contribute to the energy transition in Rotterdam. The fund’s €100 million budget is aimed at projects that reduce CO₂ emissions, improve air quality, and foster circular economies.
InnovationQuarter’s Senior Investment Manager, Reinaud Struycken, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to invest in Value Group’s innovative ‘catch & release’ technology, which aligns perfectly with our vision for a cleaner and more sustainable Rotterdam.”
Value Group’s Mission and Impact
Value Group is at the forefront of the decarbonization movement, with a dual focus on maritime sustainability through Value Maritime and carbon management via Value Carbon. Since its inception in 2017, Value Maritime has been helping shipowners and operators reduce emissions and improve competitiveness by adopting cutting-edge technologies like Filtree.
Meanwhile, Value Carbon works on land-based carbon management, including CO₂ capture, storage, and reuse. Through this synergy, the two companies are creating integrated systems for both maritime and industrial sectors, contributing to significant emission reductions while generating financial benefits for their clients.
About Value Group
Value Group unites Value Maritime and Value Carbon, both pioneers in developing sustainable technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions across the maritime and industrial sectors. The companies’ combined expertise is driving the transition to a cleaner future by offering innovative solutions for both land and sea-based carbon management.
About ETF-R and InnovationQuarter
The Energietransitiefonds Rotterdam (ETF-R) is an investment fund managed by InnovationQuarter, which focuses on financing sustainable projects and companies that contribute to Rotterdam’s energy transition and circular economy. With a strong focus on reducing emissions and fostering innovation, ETF-R supports high-impact initiatives that promote a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable future.
InnovationQuarter plays a vital role in fostering regional economic development and managing funds aimed at startups and scale-ups that are leading the way in creating solutions for a greener world.
Source Value Maritime