Solvang ASA Leads Maritime Decarbonization with First Carbon Capture Ship

Solvang ASA has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in maritime decarbonization, unveiling the first ship equipped with a full-scale onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) facility. Carbon Herald reports that the vessel is now ready for pilot testing, marking a major leap forward in reducing emissions from global shipping operations.

Innovation in Carbon Emissions Reduction

The Clipper Eris, owned by Solvang ASA, is the first vessel to feature OCCS technology. This innovative system cleans exhaust emissions, cutting CO2 output by up to 70%. Additionally, the vessel stores the captured carbon dioxide in on-deck tanks, ready for safe sequestration or potential reuse, leading maritime sustainability efforts.

Edvin Endresen, CEO of Solvang ASA, emphasized the significance of this development: “Onboard carbon capture combined with existing cleaning technology is a significant shortcut to decarbonization of the world’s deep-sea fleet. This stands out as one of the more promising solutions for future vessels.”

Collaborative Effort Drives Progress

Moreover, the OCCS pilot project is the result of a partnership between Solvang, Wärtsilä, MAN Energy Solutions, and the Norwegian research institute SINTEF. Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine, stated, “The introduction of carbon capture and storage capabilities on board the Clipper Eris is a major leap forward for maritime sustainability. It represents a system change that has been made possible by close collaboration between our companies.”

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Preparing for a Greener Future

In addition to retrofitting the Clipper Eris, Solvang ASA has seven new vessels under construction, each designed to integrate OCCS technology seamlessly. These efforts align with the company’s commitment to meeting stricter environmental regulations and also advancing the decarbonization of maritime operations.

Furthermore, after months of retrofitting in dry dock, the Clipper Eris is now ready to lead sustainable shipping and inspire wider adoption of carbon capture technology worldwide.