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DNV Validates High-Efficiency Carbon Capture System for Ships in Industry First
DNV Validates High-Efficiency Carbon Capture System for Ships in Industry First
New onboard technology captures up to 98% of COâ‚‚ emissions, offering shipowners another pathway toward compliance and decarbonisation
As shipping companies search for practical ways to reduce emissions without immediately replacing existing vessels, onboard carbon capture is emerging as a serious contender. A recent validation by DNV has provided a significant boost to the technology, confirming the effectiveness of a new centrifugal carbon capture system designed specifically for ships. The classification society has verified that Carbon Ridge’s onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) technology can achieve carbon dioxide capture rates of up to 98%, making it the first centrifugal OCCS system to be validated for maritime use.
Real-World Trial Conducted on Commercial Tanker
The validation follows a five-month pilot program carried out aboard the LR2 product tanker STI Spiga, owned by Scorpio Tankers. The 109,999 dwt vessel, built in 2015, operated on normal commercial voyages while the system was tested between July and December 2025. The trial took place with support from Besiktas Shipyard in Turkey and was designed to evaluate the technology under real operating conditions rather than controlled laboratory settings. Following an independent review of the data, DNV confirmed that the system achieved peak COâ‚‚ capture rates above 98%. More than half of the recorded observations showed capture efficiencies ranging between 86% and 98%.
Compact Design Addresses a Key Industry Challenge
One of the biggest obstacles facing onboard carbon capture systems has been the amount of space required onboard ships. According to Carbon Ridge, its centrifugal design significantly reduces equipment footprint, requiring up to 75% less space than conventional carbon capture columns. This makes the technology more attractive for retrofit projects, particularly on vessels where cargo capacity and machinery space are critical considerations. Once captured, the carbon dioxide is compressed, liquefied, and stored onboard until it can be discharged and managed ashore. The modular nature of the system also allows installation across a wider range of vessel types, offering greater flexibility for shipowners operating diverse fleets.
Growing Interest as Carbon Costs Rise
The successful trial comes at a time when shipping companies face increasing pressure from environmental regulations and carbon pricing mechanisms. With FuelEU Maritime, the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), and future IMO greenhouse gas measures expected to increase compliance costs, technologies capable of reducing emissions from existing vessels are attracting significant industry attention. Unlike alternative fuel transitions that often require extensive modifications or newbuild investments, onboard carbon capture offers a potential solution for extending the operational life of conventional vessels while reducing their environmental footprint. Industry participants involved in the project highlighted the relatively straightforward installation process and limited operational impact on crews, factors that could play a major role in future adoption.
A Potential Bridge Technology for Decarbonisation
While alternative fuels such as methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen continue to dominate long-term decarbonisation discussions, onboard carbon capture is increasingly being viewed as a complementary solution. For many operators, especially those with younger conventional fleets, OCCS could provide a practical pathway to reduce emissions while infrastructure for next-generation fuels continues to develop. The DNV validation represents an important step in demonstrating that onboard carbon capture can move beyond theory and deliver measurable results in commercial service.
Why This Matters
- High capture efficiency: Independent validation confirms the system can capture up to 98% of ship-generated COâ‚‚ emissions.
- Retrofit-friendly solution: The compact design reduces space requirements, making installation more practical for existing vessels.
- Supports regulatory compliance: Carbon capture could help shipowners manage rising costs associated with emissions regulations and carbon pricing.
- Extends fleet viability: OCCS offers operators another decarbonisation pathway without requiring immediate transition to alternative fuels.
DNV’s validation of Carbon Ridge’s centrifugal carbon capture technology marks a significant milestone for maritime decarbonisation. As regulatory pressure intensifies and operators seek flexible compliance options, onboard carbon capture may become an increasingly important tool in the shipping industry’s journey toward lower emissions.
DNV Validates High-Efficiency Carbon Capture System for Ships in Industry First
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