The International Maritime Organization is drafting interim safety guidelines for onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) systems. The rules will start with chemical absorption technology and cover CO2 compression, storage, crew protection, and transfer to port facilities. Final non-mandatory guidelines are expected in 2029, so early projects will rely on flag state and classification society approvals. The safety work addresses real risks like CO2 asphyxiation and chemical handling, but it does not settle the bigger questions. Captured CO2 still lacks clear accounting and verification under international climate rules, and ship owners face uncertain costs from added energy use and limited storage space. The framework is a necessary step, not a green light for OCCS deployment.
