Ecospray launches three new carbon capture systems for vessels

Italian technology company Ecospray has launched three new carbon capture systems, which it claims will help to decarbonise the maritime sector.

PHOTO: Carbon-capturing fuel cells. Ecospray

The new technologies, which are at different stages of development, will use amines, calcium hydroxide or molten carbonate fuel cells, it says.

It plans to conduct the first trials onboard vessels by the end of this year, with the next phase scheduled in 2023.

Ecospray argues that carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems are key to achieve emissions reduction by the shipping industry.

“Factors such as the size and type of ship, the route it sails and the space available on board have a major effect on the scope of application,” says Ecospray president Maurizio Archetti.

The carbon capture technology using calcium hydroxide is best suited for bulk carriers as is needs space for bulk storage of chemical reagents, he adds.

Carbon capture with amines is already well-established in other industrial sectors, and Ecospray reckons that it will be useful in the maritime industry. It involves passing flue gases through a solution of amines, a derivative of ammonia, to absorb carbon dioxide.

Molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) enable carbon to be captured from exhaust fumes while at the same time generating clean energy. MCFCs typically work at high temperatures over 600°C and can convert other fuels to hydrogen directly.

Ecospray argues that MCFC has the greatest potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.