Value Maritime leads carbon capture initiative with ME2CC project

The Samskip Kvitbjorn operates on a fixed route between Rotterdam and Hammerfest along Norway’s west coast, a region known for its environmental sensitivity. By retrofitting the vessel with Value Maritime’s carbon capture (CC) technology, the consortium aims to ensure compliance with stringent low-emission requirements set by the EU and Norwegian authorities.

The ME2CC consortium, led by Value Maritime, includes Samskip Holding, B2B Marine, Fusie Engineers, Devoteq, Brusche Process Technology, Heatmaster, and Yard Energy Group. This collaboration builds on experience gained from the first small-scale CC system installed aboard the Nordica two years ago.

The ME2CC system is designed to address key challenges in maritime decarbonisation. By capturing CO2 emissions while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption, the system offers a dual benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering operating costs.

The system’s innovative design significantly reduces its size, with a patented approach decreasing the height and footprint by up to one-third compared to conventional absorption technologies. It also utilises hot flue gases to generate onboard electricity, enhancing both energy efficiency and environmental performance.

Captured CO2 will be offloaded at ports and transported to centralised hubs for regeneration using renewable electricity. These hubs optimise costs and environmental impact while preparing the CO2 for downstream applications such as agricultural use.

The compact and modular nature of the system makes it suitable for a wide range of vessel types, from shortsea and inland shipping to large offshore vessels. The design also supports leasing models, offering flexibility and affordability for shipping companies.

Christiaan Nijst, co-founder and director of the Value Group, highlighted the project’s scalability and impact: “We are delighted to have been awarded this funding, which provides an important stimulus to the ME2CC project and the maritime energy transition. The compact, modular nature of this solution, combined with low costs, makes it highly scalable and widely applicable, underscoring our commitment to driving meaningful change in the maritime industry.”

Erik Hofmeester, head of vessel management at Samskip, emphasised the alignment with Samskip’s sustainability goals: “The retrofitting of the Samskip Kvitbjorn aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of shipping. Working alongside Value Maritime and the ME2CC consortium, we are ensuring the vessel meets low-emission requirements while maintaining reliable service for our customers.”

Fokke van der Veen, programme manager for energy systems at Maritime Masterplan, added: “The development and demonstration of onboard carbon capture with an LNG energy system will contribute significantly to a more sustainable maritime future. We are pleased to support this ambitious consortium as part of the Maritime Masterplan.”

To read what a panel of industry heavyweights thought about carbon capture at last year’s Propulsion and Future Fuels event, click here,