Capital Gas, ERMA FIRST, and BABCOCK have forged a groundbreaking partnership, as they inked a Letter of Intent to deploy a cutting-edge Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) system, dubbed CARBON FIT, aboard four new liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) carriers.
Expected for handover by South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in 2026, these 22,000 cubic meter LCO2 carriers will proudly join Capital Gas’s managed fleet as the largest vessels of their kind ever constructed.
The ERMA FIRST CARBON FIT system boasts Approval in Principle (AiP) from both Lloyd’s Register and DNV. Leveraging amine absorption technology utilizing a proprietary amine solvent, it effectively absorbs CO2 from flue gases. The ensuing mixture undergoes a thermal process triggering a chemical reaction, separating CO2 from the solvent. The liberated CO2 is then liquefied utilizing Babcock LGE’s ecoCO2® system and stashed onboard the ship in pressurized low-temperature storage for subsequent offloading. With the regenerated solvent being reusable, this process crafts an immensely efficient regenerative loop for CCS.
Miltos Zisis, Managing Director of Capital Gas Ship Management Corp. said “In our ongoing quest to curtail environmental impact and actively contribute to a cleaner, sustainable future, Capital Gas spearheaded the supervision of LCO2 carrier construction. Now, alongside our esteemed partners, we’re pushing boundaries by advancing carbon capture technology, bolstering these vessels’ environmental sustainability.”
Neale Campbell, Managing Director of Babcock LGE said “Integrating onboard carbon capture into these trailblazing vessels, coupled with our industry-defining ecoCO2® system, marks a significant stride towards achieving the shipping industry’s emissions reduction goals. The flexibility inherent in the ecoCO2® design, adept at handling both CO2 and LPG cargoes, facilitates seamless adaptation to evolving carbon capture and storage needs.”
Konstantinos Stampedakis, Co-Founder & Managing Director of ERMA FIRST Group said “This project not only propels ERMA FIRST and our CCS technology forward but also charts shipping’s course towards low-carbon operations. While typical CCS systems are anticipated to reduce vessel CO2 emissions by 15% to 30%, this project is slated to surpass a 70% CO2 capture rate. This pivotal contribution aligns with Capital Gas’s decarbonization aims, culminating in vessels on the cusp of carbon neutrality.”
“This underscores the ERMA FIRST CARBON FIT as a savvy investment in decarbonizing tech, aiding compliance with the IMO’s stringent emissions-reduction targets, and paving the way for a greener, sustainable future across the industry,” Stampedakis added.
About ERMA FIRST
Established in 2009 and headquartered in Greece, ERMA FIRST stands at the forefront of manufacturing and providing future-proof sustainable maritime solutions. Their robust systems ensure global compliance, operational simplicity, and reduced expenditure, while mitigating the environmental impact of ship operations.
ERMA FIRST’s customer-centric approach offers convenient servicing through a network of certified engineers worldwide. They provide sales, maintenance, and training to clients across 46 countries, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions including ballast water treatment, Alternative Maritime Power, Energy Saving Devices, and Carbon Capture and Storage.
About Babcock LGE
Babcock LGE specializes in providing cargo handling and fuel gas supply systems for the liquefied gas markets. Their environmentally focused technologies improve vessel efficiency and performance, delivering value throughout the vessel’s lifecycle.
About Capital Gas
Capital Gas Ship Management Corp. is a ship management service provider, currently operating a fleet of 20 modern LNG Carriers, 4 pioneering liquid CO2 carriers, 2 dual-fuel Ammonia VLACs, and 8 Dual-Fuel LPG Medium Gas Carriers with a total carrying capacity of approximately 4.0 million cubic meters. The fleet includes vessels of Nasdaq-listed Capital Product Partners L.P.
Source ERMA FIRST