Clipper Eris, the ethylene carrier owned by Solvang, is ready for pilot testing, becoming the world’s first ship fitted with a full-scale carbon capture and storage system.
The pilot project is being undertaken as a joint effort between Solvang, MAN Energy Solutions, Wartsila and research institute SINTEF.
Besides this ship, Solvang has 7 more vessels being constructed. They are almost ready to be equipped with the same carbon capture facility that can decrease carbon dioxide emissions by up to 70% before it is stored in deck tanks for discharge to sequestration or use.
Edvin Endresen, CEO of Solvang ASA said that this technology is the shortcut to decarbonising the world’s deep-sea fleet and is a promising solution for future vessels.
Clipper Eris spent the last few months in the dry dock undergoing a complete retrofit and it is now equipped with the new OCCS technology. It will leave the berths at the Seatrium admiralty yard in early February for pilot testing.
Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine said that this carbon capture system onboard Clipper Eris is a leap forward for achieving maritime sustainability and represents a change that has been made possible by a collaboration between our companies.
In 2023, Solvang got funding from the Norwegian State through Enova, making it possible to begin the OCCS pilot project on Clipper Eris.
Borge Noddeland, senior advisor in Enova said that the company is following the project with much anticipation and highlighted that carbon capture onboard vessels is an interesting technology which can play a vital role in the transition towards a low-emission society.
References: Bunker spot, Offshore Energy
Source: Maritime Shipping News