Value Maritime and their partners involved in the Maritime Efficient & Easy Carbon Capture (ME2CC) project, were recently provided with funding. This funding was provided by the Maritime Masterplan 2024 and the intention behind it, was to install carbon capture onboard a Samskip LNG vessel.

The aim behind the ME2CC project, is to build a scalable and compact CC system, which works through the use of patented techniques and reduces the system’s height and footprint by an estimated one-third. This height and footprint reduction can be seen when this project’s results are compared to existing absorption technologies, while maintaining low pressure drop. It is clear that this innovative approach, once it is combined with the use of hot flue gas for onboard electricity generation, has the beneficial effect of enhancing both operational efficiency, along with emission reduction.

The funding that this project has received will be a huge help when it comes to the development, construction and demonstrations of a first-in-kind compact and modular carbon capture system. This system which is under development is due to be installed on the LNG vessel Samskip Kvitbjorn.

Not only is this a large step forwards for the carbon capture industry, but it will also be significant and extremely beneficial to Samskip Kvitbjorn. This vessel works on a fixed operation route which runs from Rotterdam along the Norwegian west coast, all the way to Hammerfest. Operating this route means that this particular vessel plays a core role in Samskip’s sustainable logistics initiative, within one of Europe’s most environmentally sensitive regions. It has been agreed by the consortium that, once the Samskip Kvitbjorn has been retrofitted with the Value Maritime’s CO2 capture system the consortium will ensure it meets the low-emission requirements which have already been established by the EU, as well as the Norwegian authorities.

This ME2CC consortium is led by Value Maritime and it includes Samskip Holding, B2B Marine, Fusie Engineers, Devoteq, Brusche Process Technology, Heatmaster, and Yard Energy Group. It has been made clear that the ME2CC project is of high importance within this industry, however it is also a huge and critical step forwards in maritime decarbonisation. Through capturing carbon dioxide emissions, whilst reducing fuel consumption at the same time, this project also focuses on addressing two critical challenges for the maritime industry, which are reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as lowering operating costs.

Head of Vessel Management at Samskip, Erik Hofmeester, commented, “We have spent years actively pursuing sustainable solutions across our fleet, and the retrofitting of the Samskip Kvitbjorn aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of shipping. Working alongside Value Maritime and the ME2CC consortium members, we are ensuring that the Samskip Kvitbjorn meets the low-emission requirements set by the EU and Norwegian authorities, all while continuing to provide reliable service for our customers.”

Program Manager Energy systems at Maritiem Masterplan, Fokke van der Veen, added, “We are very pleased that this ambitious consortium, ME2CC, is part of the first call within the Maritime Masterplan. Development and demonstration of Onboard Carbon Capture with an LNG energy system will certainly lead to a more sustainable maritime future.” 

Co-Founder & Director of the Value Group, Christiaan Nijst, mentioned, “We are delighted to have been awarded this funding, which provides an important stimulus to the ME2CC project, and to the maritime energy transition. The combination of low costs for shipping companies and the compact, modular nature of this solution makes it highly scalable and widely applicable. This initiative underscores our commitment to driving meaningful change in the maritime industry.”