#United Kingdom #carbon capture #Southampton #Seabound

Seabound's Revolutionary Carbon Capture Initiative

In an exciting development for marine technology and environmental sustainability, Seabound has recently been awarded a remarkable £1.1 million grant by the UK Government. This funding, part of Round 6 of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC6), will accelerate the implementation of pioneering carbon and emissions capture systems at the Port of Southampton.

This project represents a collaboration among Seabound, STAX Engineering, and Associated British Ports (ABP), aiming to integrate cutting-edge carbon capture capabilities with STAX's innovative emissions control technology. By working together, these companies are not just setting a new standard in emissions control but also pushing the boundaries of environmental accountability in the maritime sector.

At its core, the initiative seeks to make Southampton the first UK port capable of implementing a fully integrated carbon and emissions capture solution. This innovative system will capture carbon dioxide (CO2) and various air pollutants directly from vessels while they are docked. This is a game changer for maritime operators, enabling them to meet stringent environmental regulations without the need for costly vessel retrofits or modifications.

ABP, recognized as the largest port operator in the UK, is honored to be at the forefront of this sustainability initiative. With a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, ABP's dedication to sustainability is evident through its various efforts, including the Energy Ventures Accelerator program, which nurtures early-stage clean energy innovations.

Max Harris, ABP's Head of Strategy and Sustainability, expressed enthusiasm about this partnership, stating, "Sustainability and innovation are key themes as ABP helps its customers adapt to the changing environment. We're excited to explore this innovative solution as we pursue ever better air quality at our ports."

The project builds upon previous successful demonstrations, such as the collaborative effort at the Port of Long Beach, California. With STAX's technology capable of removing up to 99% of particulate matter and 95% of nitrogen oxides from exhaust emissions, and Seabound's system effectively isolating and storing up to 95% of CO2 and 98% of sulphur oxides (SO₂), this integrated approach sets the stage for a cleaner maritime future.

Alisha Fredriksson, CEO and Co-Founder of Seabound, noted, "This is the first time in the world that carbon and air pollution capture will be combined and deployed at full commercial scale in a port. We’re thrilled to be working with visionary partners like ABP and STAX."

The project will not only contribute significantly to reducing emissions but also create new skilled jobs in Southampton, encompassing barge operations, maintenance, carbon capture servicing, and logistics. As ABP looks to expand this model to other ports in the UK, it stands as a replicable blueprint for ports worldwide.

This initiative arrives at a crucial time when the maritime sector is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint. Seabound is driven by an ambitious goal to capture 100 million tonnes of CO₂ annually by 2040, which represents a significant contribution—approximately 10%—to the global shipping sector's emissions.

Furthermore, this cutting-edge project highlights the importance of innovation in the journey toward sustainable maritime practices. James Lovett, Innovation Lead for Future Maritime Technologies at Innovate UK, applauded Seabound for its ongoing achievements, stating, "Their project is an excellent example of UK-led engineering and entrepreneurship within a particularly challenging transport sector."

In summary, the £1.1 million grant awarded to Seabound marks a significant milestone in the maritime industry's effort to embrace sustainable practices. By combining extensive research and pioneering technology, Seabound, along with its partners, is poised to reshape port operations in the UK and beyond, ushering in an era of cleaner, more responsible shipping practices.

For further information on Seabound and their innovative technologies, interested parties can visit their official website or reach out directly via email.