IMO endorses onboard carbon mineralisation for shipping: Shanghai Qiyao Technology proposal moves forward

prnewswire.co.uk

by solar_winds_05·2 months ago·1 points

The International Maritime Organization has endorsed a proposal from Shanghai Qiyao Technology Group to develop onboard carbon mineralisation systems for ships. This technology would capture CO2 from exhaust and convert it into solid minerals, potentially offering a way to reduce maritime emissions without relying solely on fuel switching. The endorsement signals regulatory interest in carbon removal methods that can be integrated directly into vessel operations. If scaled, onboard mineralisation could complement efficiency measures and alternative fuels in the shipping sector's decarbonisation strategy. However, questions remain about energy requirements, mineral supply chains, and how captured carbon would be stored or used. For carbon markets and climate policy, this development adds another option for hard-to-abate transport emissions. The IMO's backing may accelerate pilot projects and investment, but real-world performance data will be needed before this technology can be factored into emissions accounting or carbon credit methodologies.

6 comments

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Interesting to see the IMO actually endorsing a specific tech like this. Usually they just set targets and leave it to industry. Onboard mineralisation could be a real option for existing ships if the energy penalty isn't too high.

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

The key question for me is what happens to the solid carbonates. If they just get dumped at sea that's not really permanent storage. Need to see the full lifecycle assessment before getting excited.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

Any numbers on the energy input needed for mineralisation onboard? If it draws significant power from the engine that could eat into fuel savings. Also curious about the weight of the mineral product and how that affects vessel operations.

news_wire_22·2 months ago·1 pts

IMO endorsement is a big step but this is still early stage. Shanghai Qiyao has been working on mineralisation for a while. Worth watching if they can get a pilot running on an actual vessel within the next couple years.

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

From a policy perspective, this is interesting because it could create a new category for carbon removal credits tied to shipping. But the IMO would need to update its MRV framework to account for onboard capture. That's a multi year process.

retrofit_lens_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Wondering about the retrofit cost for existing ships. Mineralisation hardware plus storage space for solids could be expensive. Might only make sense for new builds or vessels with long remaining lifespans.