Lloyd’s Register (LR) has awarded its first class notation for onboard carbon capture to the Pacific Cobalt, a 50,000 dwt mid-range chemical tanker owned by Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS). This milestone signifies a significant advancement in maritime emissions reduction, as the vessel is retrofitted with Value Maritime’s Filtree System, a cutting-edge solution designed to capture and reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 40%.
The new class notation, Emission Abatement Carbon Capture & Storage (EACCS) (Amine, HFO), provides comprehensive assurance that the onboard carbon capture system is both effective and reliable. It addresses safety risks associated with the installation and operation of the Onboard Carbon Capture & Storage (OCCS) system. The notation covers various aspects including materials, structure, containment, piping, refrigeration, electrical systems, control systems, safety mechanisms, vessel integration, and manufacturing standards.
For vessels preparing for future OCCS installations, the READY descriptive note outlines requirements for vessel preparation, including structural modifications, layout considerations, material specifications, electrical configurations, and safety systems.
The Filtree OCCS system, developed by Value Maritime, is capable of capturing up to 40% of CO₂ from the exhaust gases. The captured CO₂ is stored in onboard tanks, which can accommodate the volume of captured gas. This technology, though well-established onshore, is gaining traction in maritime applications as a viable option to meet International Maritime Organization (IMO) emission reduction targets in the short to mid-term.
LR’s CEO, Nick Brown, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “This class notation for an OCCS is the first for Lloyd’s Register and for a vessel of this size. Eastern Pacific Shipping is a pioneer in onboard CCS, and this installation highlights their dedication to reducing emissions and aligning with IMO’s goals. This class notation will foster further confidence in OCCS technology within the industry.”
Cyril Ducau, CEO of Eastern Pacific Shipping, remarked, “The retrofit of Pacific Cobalt with Value Maritime’s exhaust cleaning and Carbon Capture System marks a significant milestone in our sustainable shipping efforts. Our collaboration with LR and Value Maritime demonstrates a shared commitment to meeting industry emissions reduction targets and advancing the decarbonization of shipping.”
Jurriaan Guljé, Operations Director at Value Maritime, noted, “The successful implementation of onboard carbon capture aboard the Pacific Cobalt is a testament to the combined efforts and engineering expertise of EPS, LR, and Value Maritime. This pioneering achievement is a significant step forward for sustainable maritime operations, setting an example for the industry.”
The Filtree System integrates SOx exhaust cleaning with CO₂ capture. It employs seawater to remove 99.9% of sulphur oxides and 99% of particulate matter from the exhaust gas. The remaining gas, primarily CO₂, then interacts with an amine chemical compound in the OCCS system. The CO₂ binds to the amine, and the resulting compound, although still a gas, is treated as a liquid and stored in onboard tanks. This method avoids the need for CO₂ liquefaction or pressurization, reducing the energy and cost implications of capture and storage. During port calls, the CO₂-saturated amine is offloaded and replaced with clean amine.
In September 2022, LR awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) to Value Maritime’s Filtree System. The Pacific Cobalt is one of three EPS MR tankers that have been refitted with the CCS system, with ongoing equipment surveys on the remaining two vessels.
About Value Maritime
Value Maritime is a forward-thinking, innovation-driven team composed of seasoned engineers and financial experts who are deeply attuned to the maritime industry’s needs. Founded in 2017, the company is dedicated to delivering new, practical, and sustainable solutions that offer both commercial and financial benefits.
Value Maritime’s technology has been instrumental in helping shipowners and operators achieve significant emission reductions and cost savings. Their commitment is centered on making the maritime sector more sustainable through the development of economically viable technological solutions that address shipping emissions.
One of their flagship innovations is the “Filtree” system. This cutting-edge technology offers comprehensive environmental benefits by cleaning both air and water across various ship types. It includes an integrated carbon capture feature, making it a viable option for both newbuilds and retrofits, thus ensuring that today’s fleet is both sustainable and future-proof.