The challenge of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the shipping sector is a pressing issue that is yet to be fully overcome. While new fuels and technologies hold promise for the future, they are not currently viable solutions on a large scale in the short-term. One strategy that is being considered as a way to reduce CO₂ and CO emissions in the immediate future is carbon capture technology. Additionally, the possibility of a carbon tax being implemented in the future further strengthens the case for the adoption of this technology, which is already quite mature and in use in industries, although it has yet to be developed in the maritime sector. In this paper, the authors start from the definition of carbon capture technology to provide a technical overview of the solutions that are currently available to the maritime sector. Given the absolute innovation of such systems for application on board ships, the authors studied their installation and developed appropriate schemes to illustrate the feasibility of integration of these new technologies on board. Furthermore, the authors highlight the different levels of technological readiness of the proposed systems based on their potential for implementation on board commercial vessels.

Climate change poses a global challenge related to the reduction of pollutant atmospheric emissions and the maritime transportation sector is directly involved, due to its significant impact on the production of Greenhouse Gases and other substances. While established technologies have effectively targeted emissions like Nitrogen Oxides (NO_X) and Sulfur Oxides (SO_X), the persistence of Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions represents an ongoing and significant concern. Novel technologies targeting CO₂ reduction have been lately studied and proposed for inland applications, and are now being developed for maritime applications. With this regard, the present study explores the potential of Carbon Capture Systems (CCS) to mitigate CO₂ emissions produced by cargo ships. While the implementation of CCS faces challenges, including space limitations and logistical complexities, its possible integration onboard marks a significant step in the fight against climate change. The authors propose an innovative approach using a Calcium Hydroxide Ca(OH)₂ based CCS, offering the dual benefit of CO₂ reduction and the potential resolution of ocean acidification through Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), the final product resulting from the CO₂ capture process. Additionally, the study examines the feasibility of the generated product for reuse in industry, promoting a circular economy and addressing environmental issues. This innovative solution underscores the urgent need for transformative measures to reduce maritime emissions, in line with efforts to safeguarding the marine environment and combat climate change.

The maritime sector, while recognized as the most efficient mode of freight transportation, confronts significant challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency. These challenges are intensified by the ageing fleet of merchant ships, which often lack the latest technologies intended to minimize atmospheric pollution. This paper aims to introduce an innovative tool designed to evaluate the energy efficiency of merchant ships and monitor their emissions, particularly concerning CO2 and its relation with the Carbon Intensity Indicator. The tool consolidates essential data into a centralized database to facilitate continuous monitoring of ship efficiency, taking into account both internal and external factors. In particular, it enables the collection and analysis of data for small/medium shipping companies, which typically lack the resources to allocate towards complex, tailored IT solutions for managing their fleet. Key features for this tool include the availability of accurate operational data and adherence to current emissions regulations. However, the applicability of the tool may be constrained by variations in ship types, operational conditions, and the availability of real-time data. The application of the tool to a case study of a tanker ship, designed to validate its functionality, demonstrates that the tool can effectively generate extensive data, which can be used to identify correlations between specific ship factors and GHG emissions. These findings offer a more accessible and self-explanatory approach to evaluating ship performance and efficiency, presenting a practical framework for compliance with evolving climate regulations and identifying the technical solutions to be implemented onboard for improvement.

The role of the maritime industry in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to mitigate the effects of global warming is significant. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a specific target for the industry, but the challenge is to implement emission-reducing technologies at scale. The use of fossil fuels is still dominant in the shipping sector, also due to the significant barriers that hinder the full adoption of carbon-neutral alternative fuels. The transition to a low-carbon economy presents an opportunity for the industry to lead the way towards a sustainable innovation and demonstrate a commitment to reducing its environmental impact. In this context, Carbon Capture System (CCS) technologies have been identified as a promising solution, but their implementation on ships comes with its own set of challenges. In this paper, the authors aims at exploring the technical requirements and consequences of the installation of a CCS based on the use of Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) onboard a container ship. To validate their assumptions, the authors set up a simulation tool able to evaluate the potential reduction in Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions from the ship along a selected route. On the basis of the tool outcomes, the authors were able to provide a comprehensive analysis of the proposed system’s costs and benefits, emphasizing the considerable savings that could be attained through the implementation of this technology on board cargo ships with a specific consideration to the future implementation of carbon emission taxes and a focus on the European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS) regulation. The findings of this research offer valuable perspectives on creating more effective and environmentally friendly approaches to mitigate GHG in the maritime sector.