Cement Transport Ship: Making Ingredients at Sea

Addressing Pollution in the Shipping Industry

The shipping sector faces a significant pollution challenge, but a novel solution has been developed by one company that goes beyond simply reducing carbon dioxide output.

Seabound, a company headquartered in London, has engineered a carbon capture system. This system uniquely converts CO₂ extracted from ship engines into limestone.

Deployment on the UBC Cork

The company will initially deploy this technology aboard the UBC Cork, a vessel dedicated to transporting cement. Currently, the ship is navigating the Mediterranean Sea.

Upon arrival in Norway, the limestone generated during the voyage will be unloaded. It will then be utilized in the production of cement at Heidelberg Materials’ carbon-neutral facility located in Brevik.

The Environmental Impact of Shipping and Cement

Both the maritime shipping industry and cement production are substantial contributors to global pollution. They account for approximately 3% and 8% of worldwide carbon emissions, respectively.

Reducing emissions in these sectors presents considerable difficulties. For shipping, current battery technology lacks the necessary energy density for many long-distance voyages.

Furthermore, the production of Portland cement, the most common type, inherently releases carbon dioxide. This is in addition to the fossil fuels typically used to power the manufacturing process.

IMO Regulations and Emission Reduction Targets

There is increasing pressure on the maritime shipping industry to curtail its pollution. The International Maritime Organization (IMO), the governing body for global shipping, mandates a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from fleets within the next ten years.

This target is set to increase to 65% by the year 2040.

Alternative Solutions and Seabound’s Approach

Seabound is not the only company exploring potential solutions. Amogy, for example, is developing ammonia-cracking technology to provide zero-emission power.

While ammonia is gaining traction as a fuel source within the shipping industry due to its high energy density and potential for eliminating greenhouse gases, its implementation requires significant ship modifications.

This often involves overhauling or completely replacing existing power plants.

A Retrofit Solution

Seabound proposes a different approach: a retrofit solution. This would allow existing internal combustion engines to remain intact.

The system would involve adding a carbon capture component that connects directly to the engine’s exhaust system. Heidelberg Materials anticipates that utilizing Seabound’s technology will contribute to a reduction in emissions associated with the transportation of its cement.