05 June 2024 – CAPITAL GAS, ERMA FIRST and BABCOCK signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to install a pioneering Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) system, CARBON FIT, on board four new liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) carriers.
Due for delivery by South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in 2026, the 22,000 cbm LCO2 carriers will join the Capital Gas managed fleet as the largest of their kind ever built.
The ERMA FIRST CARBON FIT system holds Approval in Principle (AiP) from both Lloyd’s Register and DNV. It uses amine absorption technology based on a proprietary amine solvent to absorb CO2 from flue gases. The resultant mix is then heated to produce a chemical reaction that reverses the absorption, separating the CO2 from the solvent. Subsequently, the released CO2 is liquefied using Babcock LGE’s ecoCO2® system and stored on board the ship in pressurised low-temperature storage for subsequent offloading. Since the regenerated solvent can be re-used, the process creates a highly efficient regenerative loop for CCS.
Miltos Zisis, Managing Director, Capital Gas Ship Management Corp., said: “As part of our ongoing efforts to minimize our impact on the environment, but also to actively contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future, Capital Gas proudly became the world’s first ship manager to supervise the construction of LCO2 carriers. Now, we are taking a step further. Alongside our partners, we are developing advanced carbon capture technology to enhance the environmental sustainability of these ships.”
Neale Campbell, Managing Director, Babcock LGE, said: “The addition of onboard carbon capture to these first-of-a-kind vessels, in conjunction with our industry-defining ecoCO2® system, is a significant step towards achieving the shipping industry’s emissions reduction targets. The ecoCO2® design concept for handling both CO2 and LPG cargoes provides a flexible solution that can easily be upgraded to incorporate carbon capture and storage requirements.”
Konstantinos Stampedakis, Co-Founder & Managing Director, ERMA FIRST Group, said: “This project is a major breakthrough not only for ERMA FIRST and our CCS technology but also for shipping’s journey towards low-carbon operations. Under normal conditions, CCS systems are expected to cut vessel CO2 emissions by 15% to 30%. At this specific project the CO2 capture rate will exceed 70%. This will play a significant role in helping Capital Gas to achieve its decarbonisation objectives but also to have the first almost carbon neutral vessels”.
“Indeed, for owners and operators worldwide, the ERMA FIRST CARBON FIT represents a smart investment in decarbonising technology, supporting compliance with the IMO’s strengthened emissions-reduction targets while contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for the industry as a whole.”
About ERMA FIRST
ERMA FIRST – From saving the oceans, to safeguarding the planet
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Greece, ERMA FIRST is a leading manufacturer and provider of future-proof sustainable maritime solutions. The company’s robust systems and solutions ensure worldwide compliance, provide operational simplicity and reduce operational expenditure, while at the same time minimizing the impact of ship operations on the environment.
ERMA FIRST’s customer-centric approach offers flexible and convenient servicing through a trusted network of certified engineers worldwide. ERMA FIRST provides sales, maintenance and training to clients via offices in 46 countries.
ERMA FIRST offers a complete range of solutions, including ballast water treatment (BWTS), Alternative Maritime Power (AMP), Energy Saving Devices (ESDs) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).
ERMA FIRST won the Lloyd’s List Technical Achievement Award (2013 and 2023), the GREEN4SEA Technology Award (2016) and the GREEN4SEA Sustainability Award (2023).
For more information, contact us at sales@ermafirst.com or visit www.ermafirst.com
About BABCOCK
Babcock LGE provides cargo handling and fuel gas supply systems for the liquefied gas markets. Its environmentally-focused technologies improve vessel efficiency and enhance performance, delivering value to customers throughout the entire life of the vessel.
About CAPITAL GAS
Capital Gas Ship Management Corp. (“Capital Gas”) is a ship management service provider, currently operating a fleet of 20 modern LNG Carriers, 4 pioneering liquid CO2 carriers, 2 dual fuel Ammonia VLACs (Very Large Ammonia Carriers) and 8 Dual Fuel LPG Medium Gas Carriers (‘MGC’) with a total carrying capacity of approximately 4.0 million cubic meters. The fleet under management includes vessels of Nasdaq-listed Capital Product Partners L.P.
For more information visit www.capitalgas.gr
