LONDON & LONG BEACH | September 18, 2025 – In a major development for the maritime emissions landscape, STAX Engineering, a U.S.-based innovator in at-berth emissions reduction, has announced a transformative expansion of its UK operations. The company is investing up to £38 million ($50 million USD) across multiple British ports to accelerate the deployment of its barge-based emissions capture and control technology, positioning the UK as a global hub for next-generation port decarbonization.
This landmark investment builds on STAX’s successful collaboration with Associated British Ports (ABP) Southampton, where the company has demonstrated the real-world impact of flexible, immediately deployable emissions control technology. As STAX scales its presence, talks are underway with Harwich Haven Authority, and additional UK port partnerships are on the horizon.
“The UK is emerging as a hub for the deployment of next-generation maritime technologies,” said Mike Walker, CEO of STAX Engineering. “STAX’s expansion reflects the country’s growing role in setting high standards for clean shipping. The market is showing that innovative clean technologies can scale globally when backed by forward-thinking regulation. When ports and governments see immediate results without operational disruption, the adoption of green solutions becomes inevitable.”
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A Strategic Response to Shore Power Gaps in the UK and EU
While shore power has been a cornerstone of decarbonization conversations, its rollout across Europe remains limited. A recent study found that only one in seven evaluated UK ports currently have shore power infrastructure, with just one in five major EU ports meeting connectivity standards. Even Southampton—home to two high-voltage systems—faces grid limitations that prevent simultaneous usage.
STAX’s solution sidesteps such constraints. Its patented, non-invasive emissions capture system connects directly to a vessel’s exhaust stack without requiring vessel modifications. It captures emissions from auxiliary engines—responsible for a significant portion of a ship’s at-berth pollution—removing up to 99% of particulate matter (PM) and 95% of nitrogen oxides (NOx) before releasing the filtered gases.
“The UK represents a significant growth market for STAX,” added Jan Petzel, CFO of STAX Engineering. “Our partnership with ABP Southampton has shown what’s possible when you work with stakeholders truly committed to decarbonization. The timing is right to deepen our commitment and show how transatlantic collaboration can lead the charge toward cleaner, more resilient global trade.”
Presidential Spotlight & LISW25 Showcase
The announcement coincides with the State Visit of U.S. President to the UK, a symbolic moment underscoring growing U.S.–UK collaboration on clean energy technologies. STAX’s expansion also took center stage during London International Shipping Week 2025 (LISW25), where the company featured prominently across several high-profile industry panels and forums.
CEO Mike Walker addressed the Marine Energy Transition Forum, and STAX led a panel discussion on “Greener Maritime Futures” alongside Harwich Haven Authority, UK Major Ports Group, and other leading maritime stakeholders during the Global Hub event.
Proven Track Record & Award-Winning Technology
To date, STAX has treated over 2,000 vessels for a cumulative 25,000+ operational hours, preventing more than 200 tonnes of emissions from polluting port communities in California. By offering its service on an hourly basis, STAX eliminates the need for upfront capital investment by ports or vessel operators—a significant barrier to the adoption of traditional emissions technologies.
STAX’s growing UK footprint is further reinforced by its recent participation in the PortZero Consortium, which secured £1.1 million from the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC). This consortium is focused on accelerating real-world deployment of scalable emissions reduction technologies.
About STAX Engineering
Founded in California, STAX Engineering is a global leader in emissions capture for berthed vessels. Its proprietary system attaches to a vessel’s exhaust stack without modification, capturing and filtering pollutants directly from auxiliary engines. Designed for rapid deployment, STAX technology is optimized for use in congested ports, enabling emissions control for container ships, auto carriers, tankers, and more. With proven capability to remove 99% PM and 95% NOx, STAX offers a zero-disruption path to cleaner air at ports worldwide.
In 2024, STAX was named one of Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech, recognizing its groundbreaking role in delivering scalable, flexible, and immediate environmental solutions to the shipping industry.
Source STAX Engineering