The global tanker industry is racing against time to meet ambitious decarbonisation targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). With a 40% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 and net-zero goals by 2050, shipowners face one of the most complex transitions in the industry’s history.

While alternative fuels like biofuels, hydrogen, and ammonia are often touted as the long-term solution, many of these remain commercially or technically unviable at scale. Against this backdrop, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is emerging as a potential bridge technology—one that could help tankers cut emissions in the near to medium term while the fuel transition gathers pace.

But can CCS realistically deliver on its promise?

How Onboard Carbon Capture Works

Carbon Capture and Storage technology involves capturing CO₂ emissions directly from a ship’s exhaust systems, processing it onboard, and then either storing or offloading it for permanent sequestration.

Key components include:

• Capture System: Amine-based or membrane systems that absorb CO₂ from exhaust gases.
• Processing & Compression: The captured CO₂ is liquefied or compressed for storage.
• Storage Tanks: Specially designed tanks onboard hold CO₂ until it can be offloaded at port.
• Final Disposal: CO₂ is injected into geological formations or reused in industrial processes.

This creates a pathway for existing ships to reduce emissions without waiting for new fuel infrastructure.

Case Study: CCS on an MR Tanker

A recent trial tested an amine-based CCS system on a medium-range (MR) tanker, with impressive but mixed results:

• Emissions Reduction: Up to 20% CO₂ reduction annually.
• Fuel Penalty: Around 10% increase in fuel consumptiondue to the system’s energy needs.
• Economic Costs: Estimated $150–200 per tonne of CO₂ captured, with avoided-CO₂ costs even higher.

This demonstrates that CCS is technically feasible, but questions remain about its economic and operational viability at scale.

Economic & Technical Challenges

While promising, CCS in tanker shipping faces several hurdles:

1. Energy Penalty– Running capture systems increases fuel consumption, impacting efficiency.
2. Space Constraints– Onboard CO₂ storage tanks take up valuable cargo space.
3. Cost Burden– $150–200 per tonne of CO₂ is significantly higher than many carbon prices today.
4. Infrastructure Gaps– Ports and terminals need facilities to receive, transport, and store CO₂.
5. Regulatory Uncertainty– IMO and regional regulators are still finalizing rules for CCS deployment.

These challenges highlight why CCS may not be a silver bullet but rather part of a portfolio of decarbonisation solutions.

CCS as a Bridge to Net Zero

Despite its limitations, CCS could play a crucial role in the shipping industry’s transition decade (2025–2035):

• Retrofit Potential: Existing fleets can adopt CCS while waiting for zero-carbon fuels to scale.
• Regulatory Compliance: Helps shipowners meet IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)and EEXI
• Investor Confidence: Aligns with ESG mandates, allowing access to green financing.
• Commercial Edge: Early adopters could secure greener contracts from environmentally conscious charterers.

Rather than replacing alternative fuels, CCS can serve as a complementary strategy to close the emissions gap in the near term.

Global Developments in CCS for Shipping

Several pilot projects and collaborations are paving the way for wider CCS adoption:

• Europe: EU’s Fit for 55 and Emissions Trading System (ETS) are creating economic incentives for CCS adoption.
• Japan & South Korea: Shipping giants are investing in joint R&D projects on onboard carbon capture.
• Oil & Gas Majors: Companies with expertise in CO₂ sequestration are partnering with shipping firms to explore supply chains for captured carbon.

The combination of regulatory pressure and private-sector innovation could accelerate CCS adoption in the tanker sector.

Why Attend the Maritime Standard Tanker Conference 2025?

For shipowners, operators, and investors, CCS is both an opportunity and a challenge. The 10th Annual Maritime Standard Tanker Conference offers a unique platform to:

• Learn from case studieson CCS implementation in real tanker operations.
• Gain insights into techno-economic analysisof CCS compared with alternative fuels.
• Hear from experts on policy frameworks and incentivesshaping CCS adoption.
• Network with technology providers, shipowners, energy companies, and financiersdriving the CCS agenda.

Date: Thursday, 30 October 2025
Venue: Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

This is where the future of tanker shipping’s decarbonisation will be debated and defined.

Final Thoughts

Carbon Capture and Storage is not a cure-all, but it could be a critical bridge technology for tanker shipping on the road to net zero. While costs, space constraints, and infrastructure remain challenges, CCS provides a practical and technically viable option to cut emissions while the industry prepares for alternative fuels.

The future of CCS in tanker shipping will be shaped by decisions made today.
Register now for The Maritime Standard Tanker Conference 2025 and gain the strategies needed to navigate shipping’s net-zero transition.