Pioneering a Comprehensive Value Chain for Captured CO2 on Board Ships

Image Credits: Global Center for Maritime Decarbonisation/LinkedIn

A recent publication by the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) reveals a groundbreaking pilot project that showcases the complete value chain of carbon dioxide (CO2) captured onboard ships. This innovative initiative took place in China on June 25, 2025.

The pilot unfolded in two distinct phases. Initially,Shanghai Qiyao Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. (SMDERI-QET) executed a ship-to-ship transfer involving 25.44 metric tons of captured CO2 from the container vessel MV Ever Top to another vessel, Dejin 26. Following this transfer, the CO2 was offloaded onto a tank truck at a jetty located in Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province.

In the second phase led by GCMD, this captured CO2 was transported to its final destination—a joint venture facility between GreenOre and Baotou Steel situated in Inner Mongolia. Here,it played a crucial role in producing low-carbon calcium carbonate,an essential ingredient for eco-friendly construction materials.

This demonstration is notable as it illustrates how maritime decarbonization can be integrated with industrial applications on land—essentially creating a bridge between sea and land-based carbon management efforts.

Importance of Establishing Carbon Value Chains

To effectively advance maritime decarbonization on a larger scale, it’s not enough just to capture carbon; we must also consider what happens next. Establishing an efficient carbon value chain is vital—this includes everything from offloading and transporting to storing and utilizing captured CO2 effectively.

Utilizing captured CO2 in concrete production stands out as one of the most effective methods for reducing greenhouse gas emissions since it lessens reliance on conventional cement manufacturing processes that are typically high in emissions. This insight aligns with findings from GCMD’s comprehensive study evaluating various pathways for using onboard-captured CO2.

Real-World Challenges Encountered

As this pioneering pilot progressed under real-world conditions, it provided invaluable insights into challenges that need addressing before scaling up onboard carbon capture technologies becomes feasible.

One major hurdle encountered was how captured CO2 was classified; initially labeled as “hazardous waste,” its reuse was restricted under regulations requiring disposal instead. However, through diligent collaboration with regulatory bodies, thay successfully reclassified the substance as “hazardous cargo,” which allowed its use as an industrial feedstock without legal complications.

GCMD also worked diligently to connect stakeholders across diffrent sectors—including finding an end user willing to utilize onboard-captured CO2 at their facility over 2000 km away—in Inner Mongolia—as part of this initial demonstration project.

Collaborative Efforts Across Sectors

The success of this pilot hinged on strong partnerships among various stakeholders throughout the entire process: Evergreen Marine Corp provided vessels; SMDERI-QET managed OCCS services; Dejin Shipping facilitated STS operations; while GreenOre operated alongside Baorong Environmental Co., Ltd., who ran their industrial plant efficiently supported by local port authorities and regulators like Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission (SMTC).

Looking Ahead

Moving forward, GCMD plans to conduct an extensive life cycle assessment (LCA) aimed at quantifying greenhouse gas emissions linked with this pilot project using data collected during sampling activities throughout its duration.They will collaborate with DNV for third-party verification regarding claims about emission reductions based on recognized accounting frameworks.

Quotes from Key Figures

professor Lynn Loo, CEO of GCMD expressed pride in facilitating collaboration among diverse sectors: “This pilot represents significant progress toward integrating onboard-captured CO2 into our broader circular economy initiatives.”

Dr. Su Yi from SMDERI-QET remarked about their pioneering role: “We’re thrilled about our successful ship-to-ship transfer operation—the frist ever—and believe these advancements will propel global networks focused on shore-based carbon storage.”

Tracy Chen from GREENORE added: “Being part of converting liquefied LCO2 into high-purity green calcium carbonate underscores our commitment towards reducing shipping emissions considerably.”

This initiative marks not just technological advancement but also sets forth new pathways toward lasting practices within both maritime and industrial landscapes.