Seabound, a London-based company specializing in marine carbon capture, has recently garnered significant attention with the acquisition of £1.1M through Round 6 of the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC6). This financial injection aims to bolster their pioneering efforts in reducing air pollution from ships, promising to make a substantial environmental impact. The company plans to deploy their novel technology at the Port of Southampton, which will serve as a test bed for their innovative solutions tailored to capture emissions at their source. The broader environmental implications of deploying such technology on a commercial scale could potentially reshape the future of maritime operations.
Previously, Seabound achieved a milestone in CMDC Round 3, marking a crucial step by capturing 78% CO2 efficiency in a shipboard carbon capture demonstration. In collaboration with Associated British Ports (ABP) and STAX Engineering, the focus is now on integrating Seabound’s carbon capture technology with emission control systems at the Port of Southampton. This partnership underscores the growing trend in the maritime industry towards adopting more sustainable practices. It highlights the importance of integrating carbon capture technologies with existing port infrastructure as a viable means of reducing environmental impacts.
What Will the Funding Be Used For?
The allocated funds will be directed towards a first-of-its-kind project, enabling the linkage of carbon and emission capture technologies. Seabound, in partnership with STAX Engineering and ABP, aims to implement an advanced system that captures carbon dioxide and air pollutants from docked ships. This effort will notably take place in Southampton, making it the first UK port to deploy such comprehensive technology. The project is expected to enhance port operations by innovating the carbon capture framework within existing logistical systems, fostering both environmental and economic benefits.
How Does the Carbon Capture System Work?
Seabound’s technology employs modular carbon capture units, each fitting into a 20-foot container, that connect directly to ship exhaust systems. The system efficiently removes up to 99% of particulate matter and 95% of nitrogen oxides, substantially cleaning exhaust gases. The cleaned gases then pass through Seabound’s unit, capturing and storing up to 95% of CO2 and 98% of sulfur dioxide before releasing the exhaust. This approach ensures minimal pollution is expelled into the atmosphere, reinforcing its effectiveness as a sustainable solution for port operations.
Chief Executive Officer of Seabound, Alisha Fredriksson, expressed optimism about the collaboration with STAX and ABP.
“We’re thrilled to be working with visionary partners like ABP and STAX to deliver a solution that we see reshaping port operations worldwide,”
she stated, reflecting the project’s potential to significantly impact the shipping industry.
Additionally, STAX CEO Mike Walker highlighted the practicality of the initiative.
“Through this project with Seabound and ABP, we’re one step closer to making clean air accessible and practical for all maritime operations,”
he remarked, emphasizing the project’s capacity to meet global maritime needs without significant alterations to existing infrastructure.
Alongside the environmental benefits, the project could also stimulate job creation in areas such as logistics management and carbon capture servicing. ABP aims to scale the solution across various ports, setting a replicable model that other ports globally might adopt. Securing this funding not only strengthens the project’s viability but also marks a notable advancement in the maritime sector’s pursuit of sustainable solutions.
Future implications of this endeavor could dramatically impact how ports manage emissions, potentially making carbon capture systems more mainstream in maritime logistics. Considering the growing necessity for sustainable port operations, the combination of Seabound’s technology with existing port logistics might provide a feasible pathway for the maritime industry to cut emissions. This endeavor illustrates a strategic blend of technological advancement and environmental stewardship that could guide future policies in maritime transport.
