Solvang ASA has reached a groundbreaking achievement in maritime decarbonization with the world’s first ship equipped with a full-scale onboard carbon capture facility now being readied for pilot testing. 

This innovative technology holds the promise of becoming a pivotal advancement for the global trading fleet on its journey towards zero emissions.

Edvin Endresen, CEO of Solvang ASA, commented: “Onboard carbon capture combined with existing cleaning technology is a significant shortcut to decarbonization of the world’s deepsea fleet. This stands out as one of the more promising solutions for future vessels.”

The ship Clipper Eris, owned by Solvang ASA, is the inaugural vessel to be installed with Onboard Carbon Capture & Storage (OCCS) technology. OCCS effectively cleans the ship’s exhaust, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 70%, before storing the captured carbon dioxide in on-deck tanks for subsequent discharge and secure sequestration or potential utilization.

This pilot project is a collaborative endeavor involving Solvang, technology providers Wärtsilä and MAN Energy Solutions, and the esteemed research institute SINTEF.

Roger Holm, president of Wärtsilä Marine, stated: “The introduction of carbon capture and storage capabilities on board the Clipper Eris is a major leap forward for maritime sustainability. It represents a system change that has been made possible by close collaboration between our companies.”

Solvang has seven new vessels currently under construction, all strategically designed and prepared for the seamless integration of OCCS technology.

After undergoing a comprehensive retrofit in dry dock over the past several months, the Clipper Eris is now positioned to meet the increasingly stringent environmental regulations of the future.