STAX Engineering and Seabound Launch Carbon Capture Solution at Port of Long Beach

STAX Engineering and Seabound unveil the first fully integrated shipboard carbon capture system at the Port of Long Beach, eliminating up to 95% of CO₂ emissions—paving the way for cleaner, scalable maritime decarbonization.

California-based STAX Engineering and UK-based Seabound successfully unveiled the maritime industry’s first fully integrated emissions capture and carbon removal system at the Port of Long Beach.

The showcase presented a fully integrated, real-world approach to significantly cutting both criteria pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions from docked ships, offering a scalable and affordable route to meet stricter environmental standards.

Comprehensive Port Emissions Solution

The live Carbon Capture Showcase included a demonstration of the combined technologies of the two firms in operation on board a Wallenius Wilhelmsen RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) ship.

Mounted on a STAX barge and connected to the ship's exhaust system, the installation effectively eliminated 99% of particulate matter (PM), 95% of nitrogen oxides (NOx), and up to 95% of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.

Significantly, the solution works without calling for adjustments to the vessel or extensive upgrades to port infrastructure, enabling rapid deployment on existing fleets. Staff from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), and other port commissions attended the demonstration.

Mitigating Global Shipping Emissions

Since shipping contributes 3% of global carbon emissions, there is increasing pressure for efficient and scalable solutions to propel decarbonization. CARB and the International Maritime Organization have both set ambitious reduction targets, compelling the industry to look for workable near-term solutions.

Mike Walker, CEO of STAX Engineering, said, "As we expand our carbon capture capabilities across the fleet, our inaugural partnership with Seabound has been instrumental. The growing demand from our customers reinforces our commitment to leading the maritime sector toward a more sustainable future.”

The integrated system begins with STAX’s mobile control unit attaching to the vessel’s exhaust stack, where it filters harmful pollutants and purifies the gas stream.

Following this, Seabound’s compact carbon capture module captures both CO₂ and sulfur, securely storing them for future processing or reuse. This collaborative process results in a significantly cleaner exhaust output, reducing the vessel’s environmental impact before the gases are released into the atmosphere.

Also read: Microsoft Signs the World's Biggest Carbon Removal Contract in Louisiana

Industry Validation and Next Steps

The system underwent three trial phases beginning in March 2025, each involving live emissions capture from commercial ships. The trials received independent verification from Yorke Engineering and were financed through technology pilot programs backed by CARB and the South Coast AQMD.

STAX and Seabound are now looking to scale their integrated solution to additional major ports, with deployment already underway at the Port of Southampton in the UK in collaboration with Associated British Ports.