Seabound Achieves Landmark £1.1 Million Grant for Carbon Capture Innovation at Southampton Port

Seabound Secures £1.1 Million Grant for Carbon Capture in Southampton

Seabound, a trailblazer in marine carbon capture based in the UK, has made headlines with its recent achievement of securing a grant worth £1.1 million. This funding comes from Round 6 of the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC6) and aims to support a groundbreaking initiative at Southampton Port. This project positions Seabound as a leader in integrating innovative carbon capture technology with existing emission control systems.

Collaborative Efforts

In partnership with STAX Engineering and Associated British Ports (ABP), Seabound will deploy a world-first combined carbon and emissions capture system. Previously, the efficacy of this joint solution was demonstrated at the Port of Long Beach in California, solidifying confidence in its potential. The collaboration signifies a step forward in the quest for sustainable practices within maritime operations.

ABP, the UK's most prominent port operator, has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. The consortium recognizes the urgency for cleaner air and sustainable practices in port operations. Max Harris, Head of Strategy and Sustainability at ABP, emphasized that sustainability and innovation are pivotal as they adapt to environmental shifts. The integration of such technology is expected to not only improve air quality but also assist in maritime decarbonization efforts.

Pioneering Technology

The project at Southampton will be historic. It will allow the port to host a fully integrated solution that captures CO2 emissions alongside other pollutants directly from vessels while docked. This innovation provides maritime operators with a timely response to increasingly strict environmental regulations without necessitating costly modifications to existing ships or port infrastructure. As CEO Alisha Fredriksson noted, this marks the first instance globally of combining carbon and air pollution capture techniques at commercial scale in a port setting.

In addition to capitalizing on cleaner air solutions, the project supported by a £1.1 million grant will encompass several pre-deployment activities. These initiatives include logistics testing, refinement of Seabound’s carbon capture system, and establishing a fleet of barges designed to service key berths within the port.

Bridging the Gap in Emission Control

The combined Seabound and STAX solution entails utilizing modular carbon capture units designed to match standard shipping containers. STAX's cutting-edge technology can remove up to 99% of particulate matter and 95% of nitrogen oxides emitted from vessels. The processed exhaust will then flow into Seabound’s compact units, isolating and storing up to 95% of CO2 and 98% of sulphur oxides (SO₂) before returning purified exhaust back into the atmosphere.

Mike Walker, CEO of STAX, highlighted the necessity for sustainable solutions within the industry, affirming that their technology offers port operations an unprecedented opportunity to engage with emission regulations efficiently. This delivery showcases a practical path to achieving cleaner maritime operations across various global ports.

Future Implications

Beyond addressing emissions, this initiative promises to generate numerous job opportunities at Southampton Port, ranging from barge operations to carbon capture servicing. Moreover, ABP’s aim to scale this unique solution to other ports reinforces its potential as a replicable model worldwide.

Founded in late 2021, Seabound has established itself at the forefront of onboard carbon capture technology. They have conducted world's first demonstrations of their solutions in challenging environments, continually capturing substantial amounts of CO2 while partnering with various maritime entities.

The company's ambitious mission is to capture a staggering 100 million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2040, aligning with global shipping sector emission reduction goals. Their continued collaboration with industry leaders illustrates a robust commitment to evolving maritime technologies and cleaner operations across the board.

With innovative support from organizations such as lomarlabs and the UK Government, Seabound and its partners are primed to spearhead advancements in sustainable practices in one of the world’s most emission-intensive industries. The future looks hopeful as these pioneering efforts take shape, potentially reshaping port operations and maritime logistics around the globe.

For additional information regarding this project or to learn more about Seabound's innovative solutions, visit Seabound's Website.