top of page

Korea Installs First Domestically-Built Onboard Carbon Capture System

Image Credits: KR

A partnership of Korean maritime technology companies has installed the country’s first domestically built onboard carbon capture system (OCCS) on a sub-Panamax container ship.


HMM, Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), PANASIA, and Korea Register (KR) collaborated to develop the system, which is now ready for verification and operational testing.


The project, which began in April 2023, was completed with the successful installation of the OCCS on the 2,200 TEU container ship HMM Mongla.


KR played a crucial role in the project’s risk assessment and compliance with applicable regulations.


The OCCS uses technology to capture, liquefy, and store carbon dioxide from exhaust gases produced during ship operations.


The revolutionary system has the potential to be recognized by international organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as one of the most promising carbon reduction techniques for the future, providing a proactive solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.


With an increasing global interest in carbon capture technology, this breakthrough is intended to establish technological leadership in the international maritime industry.


The successful implementation of this system may impact global maritime leaders’ discussions about the possible adoption of OCCS at the upcoming IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee conference.


According to a KR official, Carbon capture technology is widely regarded as one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, attracting substantial attention from the international community and the shipping sector.


KR will make every effort to help the shipping industry in rapid decarbonization based on the experience and results of this successful project.


Onboard carbon capture is a fast-expanding research topic in leading shipping nations, with initial findings indicating promising results.


Carbon capture technologies, according to Bureau Veritas (BV), should be able to reduce CO2 emissions by 82-90%.


However, these systems provide unique challenges, such as storing captured carbon until the end of the voyage, requiring additional considerations for the amount and mass of CO2.


Each kilogram of fuel consumed produces around three kilograms of CO2, which must be compressed or liquefied on board.


bottom of page