Scrubber Technology Group Looks at Utilising Carbon Capture

FINLAND – WORLDWIDE – Two of the most contentious subjects as regards the reduction or elimination of harmful emissions produced by the world's ocean going shipping fleet are scrubbers and carbon capture. Nevertheless the technologies exist and are seen by many as suitable routes to assist in the environmental fight.

As one of the main marine exhaust gas cleaning system manufacturers, Wärtsilä Exhaust Treatment is naturally keen to promote and update scrubbing technology and to capture carbon at the point of exhaust. The company has conducted extensive research and development to explore how Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) can be developed and scaled in the maritime arena.

Wärtsilä says initial indications are that CCS on ships is technically viable for the sector to pursue. Now to further accelerate development, Wärtsilä is installing a 1MW pilot plant at its test facility in Moss, Norway. This pilot plant will allow Wärtsilä to test its CCS technologies in a range of scenarios and conditions.

The company insists that CCS enabled by scrubbers, must take a central role within the suite of solutions helping to drive decarbonisation in shipping, including alternative fuels and efficiency technologies. It is focusing on carbon elimination using lessons learned from the reduction of sulphur by the industry. Sigurd Jenssen, Director, Exhaust Treatment at Wärtsilä, explained the company’s standpoint thus:

“Building on the success of existing and well-proven technologies, such as scrubbers, will be vital to succeeding on the industry’s decarbonisation goals. Exhaust gas abatement technologies have reached a point of maturity where it is only right that we explore their wider applications beyond sulphur compliance.

“CCS on board vessels is clearly a substantial undertaking, but one that we believe we are well placed to pioneer. Carbon capture is exciting because it can provide significant reductions in a relatively short timeframe. This is important in the context of the industry’s overall decarbonisation transition, as it will enable us to safeguard existing assets as we move to a cleaner mode of operating.”

Photo: Sigurd Jenssen, Director, Exhaust Treatment at Wärtsilä.