EPS to install carbon capture system on two tankers

Installation onboard Pacific Cobalt is expected to be completed by the end of 2022, while the installation onboard Pacific Gold is scheduled for Q1 2023.

The 2020-built, 49,700dwt sister vessels, will be fitted with VM’s Filtree System – a prefabricated gas cleaning system that filters sulphur and 99% of particulate matter. The system will include a carbon capture module charging a CO2 battery onboard.

In addition to its carbon capture capabilities, the Filtree System also removes oil residue and particulate matter from the wash water, ensuring its PH value is neutralised and contributes to reducing the acidification of seawater.

The charged CO2 battery will be discharged in port and subsequently used by CO2 customers, such as greenhouses, or injected into carbon sequestration networks. It will then be returned to the vessel for CO2 recharging. This plug-and-play approach allows vessels to capture up to 40% of CO2 emissions today, with the potential of exceeding 90% in the future.

EPS CEO Cyril Ducau stated, “Partnering with Value Maritime is a major step forward for EPS and the industry’s energy transition. Carbon capture technology was missing in our existing portfolio of emission lowering solutions, which today consists primarily of alternative marine fuels. We believe that carbon capture technology holds significant promise for reducing emissions for existing and future ocean-going vessels. Coupled with alternative fuels, biofuels and other solutions, carbon capture is a crucial step in accelerating the shipping industry’s decarbonisation efforts ahead of IMO targets.

“After extensive research, we agreed that Value Maritime is the right partner to implement this solution and complement our own decarbonisation efforts. Their passion for innovation, existing infrastructure, and commitment to lowering emissions today is what we look for in a partner. By equipping our tankers with VM’s systems, we hope to prove to the industry that carbon capture is a viable and scalable option available right now.”

In addition to the retrofits, EPS and VM are exploring future collaboration opportunities, such as deploying the Filtree System onboard EPS newbuilds, including a new generation of containerships.