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Navigating Carbon Neutrality: The Push for Onboard Carbon Capture and IMO's Role in Advancing Maritime Technologies

Briggs McCriddle

In the ever-pressing global fight against climate change, the maritime industry stands at a crossroads. With nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions attributed to international shipping, the sector is under mounting pressure to decarbonize. Among the promising solutions being explored is onboard carbon capture technology—a cutting-edge innovation that could transform the environmental footprint of the shipping industry. Yet, as these advancements gain momentum, questions linger about the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) role in accelerating their adoption and fostering innovation.


Onboard carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems are emerging as a potential game-changer for the industry. By capturing carbon dioxide emissions directly from a ship's exhaust gases, these systems prevent greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere, effectively neutralizing the environmental impact of fossil fuel combustion. Recent collaborative projects, such as the partnership between Wärtsilä, MAN Energy Solutions, SINTEF, and Norwegian shipping giant Solvang, showcase the technology's promise. Their pilot program aims to test CCS systems under real-world conditions, offering insights into operational challenges and potential scalability.

The significance of these trials cannot be overstated. Unlike alternative fuels such as green ammonia or methanol, onboard CCS allows ships to continue operating on traditional fuels while mitigating emissions. This makes the technology particularly appealing for existing fleets, where retrofitting solutions are more viable than complete overhauls. However, despite the potential of onboard CCS, its path to widespread adoption is fraught with hurdles, from cost concerns to regulatory uncertainty.


As the global regulator of international shipping, the IMO is uniquely positioned to drive the adoption of transformative technologies. Yet critics argue that the organization has been slow to act. While the IMO has set ambitious decarbonization targets—such as reducing carbon intensity by 40% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050—its regulatory framework has lagged behind the pace of technological innovation.

One glaring issue is the lack of specific guidelines or incentives for technologies like onboard CCS. Current IMO policies, such as the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), focus on operational measures and vessel efficiency. While these are critical components of decarbonization, they do little to address the integration of groundbreaking technologies that could deliver more substantial results.

Industry stakeholders are calling for a more proactive approach. “The IMO needs to do more than set targets; it must create a regulatory ecosystem that rewards innovation and accelerates adoption,” says a senior executive at one major shipping line. This could include offering subsidies for early adopters, streamlining certification processes, and establishing clear standards for the design and operation of onboard CCS systems.


The high cost of implementing onboard CCS technology remains a significant barrier. Initial estimates suggest that retrofitting a single vessel could cost several million dollars, a daunting figure for many shipping companies, particularly smaller operators. Without financial incentives or regulatory mandates, widespread adoption may remain out of reach.

Moreover, the global nature of the maritime industry complicates the IMO's efforts to enact uniform policies. Member states often have competing priorities, with developing nations emphasizing the need for cost-effective solutions that do not disproportionately burden their economies. Striking a balance between these diverse interests is a persistent challenge for the IMO, but one that cannot be an excuse for inaction.


The urgency of the climate crisis demands bold action from all stakeholders in the maritime sector. While onboard carbon capture represents a beacon of hope, its success depends on a concerted effort to overcome the barriers to implementation. The IMO must take the lead in this endeavor, not only by setting ambitious goals but by actively enabling the technological transformation needed to achieve them.

This means fostering partnerships between regulators, technology developers, and the shipping industry to create a pathway for innovation. It also requires addressing the economic realities of decarbonization, ensuring that financial mechanisms are in place to support the transition. Without such measures, the industry risks falling short of its climate commitments, with dire consequences for the planet.


As ships continue to traverse the world's oceans, they carry with them the potential to become pioneers of a greener future. Onboard carbon capture technology is a critical piece of the puzzle, but its success hinges on the collective will to act. The IMO, as the custodian of global shipping standards, must rise to the occasion and lead the charge. The time for incremental change is over; the future demands nothing less than a revolution at sea.

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