EGA eyes kites, alt fuels and CCS in K Line decarb deal

The cooperation is expected to focus on the development and implementation of new marine decarbonisation technologies suitable for EGA’s bulk cargo shipping routes in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean.

The solutions under consideration are likely to include kite systems, alternative fuels and on board CO2 capture technologies, EGA notes. These technologies have technical and practical challenges to widespread adoption that remain to be overcome, ranging from technology immaturity to lack of support infrastructure.  

“K” Line Group will lead research into decarbonisation opportunities, and EGA will target pilot projects on its “K” Line shipping routes.

“K” Line Group transports around 5 million tonnes of bauxite per annum from the Republic of Guinea to the UAE and some 1.5 million tonnes of alumina each year from Australia to the UAE, under long-term Contracts of Affreightment.

EGA noted that maritime transportation accounts for a proportion of the emissions generated in EGA’s supply chain (Scope 3 emissions).

The Motorship notes that EGA previously signed an MoU with GE Gas Power to develop a decarbonisation roadmap for EGA’s existing GE natural gas turbines in November 2021. This MoU envisaged exploring the use of hydrogen as a fuel, as well as carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) solutions.