Leading technology group, Wärtsilä has officially launched its commercially available carbon capture solution (CCS) for the global maritime industry, following a successful world-first full-scale installation onboard the Clipper Eris, operated by Norwegian shipping company Solvang ASA. This development represents a major advancement for bunker suppliers and shipping companies alike, offering a proven pathway to achieving up to 70% CO₂ emission reductions directly from ship exhaust systems.
The announcement, made on May 7, 2025, positions Wärtsilä as the first maritime technology provider to deliver a fully operational, scalable CCS that captures carbon emissions onboard vessels in real-time. This innovation opens new opportunities in emissions control and regulatory compliance, especially amid mounting pressure from the IMO’s 2050 decarbonisation targets and forthcoming carbon intensity regulations.
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Major Leap for Bunkering and Emissions Reduction
For the bunkering industry, Wärtsilä’s CCS launch signals a critical turning point. With growing demand for low-carbon fuels such as LNG, biofuels, and methanol, onboard carbon capture systems will now offer an additional tool to reduce GHG emissions—without waiting for new fuel infrastructure to fully scale. Wärtsilä’s CCS is compatible with a wide range of carbon-based marine fuels, including HSFO, MGO, LNG, and methanol, and can be installed on both newbuilds and retrofitted vessels.
The new technology integrates seamlessly with existing exhaust scrubbers and emissions systems, making it particularly relevant to bunker suppliers, ports, and ship operators seeking to enhance their green service offerings and stay compliant with global and regional emissions mandates.
Solvang ASA: Proving CCS at Sea
The breakthrough follows the full-scale installation onboard the 21,000 m³ ethylene carrier Clipper Eris earlier this year. The vessel departed Singapore in February 2025 equipped with Wärtsilä’s CCS, which captures emissions from all exhaust sources onboard. Already fitted with Wärtsilä scrubbers, the ship proved to be an ideal platform for demonstrating full-system integration and carbon capture efficiency.
Solvang ASA, known for its proactive stance on green technology, has also worked closely with Wärtsilä to ensure future newbuilds are CCS-ready, including system compatibility, space planning, and onboard utilities.
A Game-Changer for Shipping
Håkan Agnevall, President and CEO of Wärtsilä, emphasized the significance of the launch “CCS is a game-changer for the maritime industry. Ahead of shipping’s net-zero targets, this new technology complements the sector’s efforts to dramatically cut emissions and avoid stranded assets.”
Edvin Endresen, CEO of Solvang ASA, added “CCS provides a significant shortcut to achieving meaningful sustainability. Partnering with Wärtsilä allowed us to lead in adopting this promising technology for our deep-sea fleet.”
Technical Performance and Market Viability
Wärtsilä has been developing its CCS technology since 2019 at its dedicated research centre in Moss, Norway, which captures 10 tonnes of CO₂ per day from a marine engine. This facility laid the foundation for the full-scale marine deployment.
The system’s estimated carbon capture cost stands at €50–€70/mtCO₂ ($54–$76/mtCO₂), including both capital and operating expenditures. Wärtsilä offers modular and scalable CCS units, making them suitable for a wide variety of vessel types and operational profiles.
Decarbonisation with Practical Integration
Wärtsilä’s CCS solution is designed to work alongside existing environmental compliance systems, including SOx scrubbers, NOx reduction units, and particulate filters. As a result, CCS can be offered as part of a comprehensive decarbonisation package for ship owners and fuel suppliers who seek a more practical and immediate path to compliance.
With decades of experience in exhaust treatment systems, Wärtsilä is uniquely positioned to lead CCS adoption in marine applications, offering a reliable solution that doesn’t rely on new fuel supply chains.
Implications for Bunker Markets and Marine Fuel Suppliers
For the global bunkering community, Wärtsilä’s CCS system introduces a flexible, fuel-agnostic solution that complements current decarbonisation efforts without requiring a wholesale transition to low-carbon fuels overnight. Bunker suppliers can expect to see increased demand for CCS-ready fuels, integration services, and technical retrofitting, creating new business models around CCS logistics, CO₂ storage, and lifecycle emissions reporting.
As CCS-equipped vessels enter regular service, ports and terminals may also face growing interest in shore-based CO₂ reception infrastructure, expanding the role of traditional bunkering hubs into carbon management centers.
About Wärtsilä
Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy sectors. With over 18,300 professionals in more than 230 locations across 77 countries, Wärtsilä is shaping the future of decarbonization in industries worldwide. The company emphasizes sustainable technology and services to help customers continuously improve their environmental and economic performance. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki, and in 2024, its net sales reached EUR 6.4 billion.
Source Wartsila