#United Kingdom #Brevik #Heidelberg Materials #Seabound #Hartmann Group

Seabound's Groundbreaking Onboard Marine Carbon Capture Project

On July 16, 2025, Seabound, a pioneering UK firm in marine carbon capture, made headlines by launching the world’s first onboard carbon capture project. This innovative initiative is being executed in collaboration with key partners including the Hartmann Group, InterMaritime Group, and Heidelberg Materials, aiming to significantly reduce carbon emissions from maritime shipping, a sector notorious for its contributions to global CO₂ levels.

This revolutionary project entails the implementation of Seabound's compact carbon capture technology aboard the UBC Cork, a 5,700 gross tonne cement-carrying vessel. Through this system, carbon emissions are captured and converted into limestone, which will be subsequently offloaded at the Port of Brevik, Norway, to be utilized in Heidelberg Materials' cement production process. The Brevik site is notably home to an industrial-scale carbon capture facility that aims to produce net-zero concrete, marking a pivotal advancement in sustainable construction materials.

The Challenge of Maritime Emissions

Maritime shipping is responsible for nearly 3% of global CO₂ emissions, a challenge amplified by the reliance on heavy fuel oil, which is both carbon-intensive and difficult to decarbonize. In recent months, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has imposed a global carbon price, heightening the urgency for shipowners to adopt more sustainable practices. With increasingly stringent regulations, solutions like Seabound's onboard carbon capture system are becoming more critical than ever.

Innovative Technology at Work

Seabound's technology leverages calcium looping processes, capturing up to 95% of CO₂ and 98% of sulphur emissions from the exhaust. This process uses calcium hydroxide, commonly known as slaked lime, to absorb CO₂, converting it into a solid form stored onboard until the next port visit. The compact nature of this system allows for straightforward installation without the need for significant vessel modifications, making it adaptable to different types of ships.

Alisha Fredriksson, CEO and Co-founder of Seabound, expressed pride in collaborating with renowned organizations such as Heidelberg Materials and Hartmann. According to her, Brevik is emerging as a critical hub for carbon capture and storage (CCS), thanks to the innovative projects like that of Heidelberg and others, fostering significant advancements towards emissions reduction in this carbon-heavy industry.

A Vision for the Future

The limestone produced from the captured CO₂ will play a pivotal role in the production of cement at the Brevik facility. Annually, the Brevik CCS project is expected to capture around 400,000 tons of CO₂, contributing to Heidelberg Materials' commitment to decarbonize its supply chain significantly. Lars Erik Marcussen, Project Manager of Logistics at Heidelberg Northern Europe, noted that reducing Scope 3 emissions related to cement shipping is crucial, and Seabound's technology presents a viable solution to achieve that.

The collaboration between Seabound and its partners demonstrates a shared commitment to environmental sustainability, showcasing the feasibility of onboard carbon capture as a pathway to reducing emissions in maritime shipping. As the project progresses, it is anticipated that Hartmann will expand the adoption of similar carbon capture technologies across its fleet, reaffirming its dedication to eco-friendly shipping practices.

Captain Jayant Singh from Hartmann Group emphasized the importance of sustainable technologies in modern maritime operations. By investing in environmentally friendly solutions, Hartmann aims to lead the industry toward a greener future, creating value while minimizing ecological impact.

Conclusion

This onboard carbon capture project not only introduces cutting-edge technology into the maritime industry but also signals a significant step toward a sustainable shipping model and the realization of net-zero carbon emissions in the transportation sector. With future ambitions set to capture 100 million tonnes of CO₂ annually by 2040, Seabound is effectively reshaping the landscape of maritime logistics and responses to climate change. The success of this initiative may set a precedent for similar projects worldwide, encouraging more stakeholders in the shipping industry to invest in carbon capture and other sustainable practices.

For more details regarding this transformative project and sustainable shipping practices, visit Seabound's website.