Evergreen, a Taiwanese container shipping company, has achieved a groundbreaking feat in maritime sustainability. The installation of an onboard CO2 capture and storage (CCS) system on its Neopanamax container vessel, Ever Top, marks a significant milestone in the industry’s efforts towards reducing carbon emissions.
The system, developed by Qiyao Environmental Protection and installed at Huarun Dadong Dockyard Co. (HRDD), boasts capabilities to handle all stages of CO2 capture, including absorption, compression, liquefaction, and storage processes. Notably, Japanese classification society Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) has awarded its prestigious “SCCS-Full” class notation to the 14,000 TEU ship, recognizing it as the world’s first Neopanamax container vessel retrofitted with such innovative systems.
Ever Top, a member of Evergreen’s T-class fleet of ships delivered between 2013-17, flies the Panama flag and was originally constructed in 2014. The successful integration of the CCS system underscores the commitment of Evergreen and its partners towards sustainable shipping practices.
The CCS system employs amine adsorbents for CO2 capture, followed by compression and liquefaction for transportation and storage/utilization. With a remarkable maximum 80% net CO2 capture rate and minimum 99% CO2 purity, the system demonstrates efficiency and effectiveness in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
Qiyao Environmental Protection attributes the system’s energy efficiency to core technologies such as a novel adsorbent and module-based parameter control. This technological advancement signifies a significant step forward in the quest for decarbonization within the maritime sector.
Masaki Matsunaga, Corporate Officer/Director of Plan Approval and Technical Solution Division at ClassNK, lauds Evergreen’s initiative, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures in advancing GHG abatement technology. ClassNK’s involvement in reviewing the system components and installation plan underscores its commitment to supporting sustainable initiatives within the maritime industry.
Onboard carbon capture systems present a promising solution for existing vessels to reduce emissions and extend their service life. However, challenges remain, including the need for shoreside infrastructure for CO2 offloading. Despite these challenges, Evergreen’s pioneering efforts exemplify the industry’s commitment to driving environmental sustainability forward.
