Design and Techno-economic assessment of an onboard carbon capture utilisation and sequestration (CCUS) system for LNG-powered vessels along an optimum blue LNG corridor to reduce port GHG emissions in Singapore

This project aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the maritime industry by developing a carbon capture, utilisation, and sequestration (CCUS) system for LNG-powered vessels. In 2018, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reported shipping emissions contributed nearly 3% of global GHG emissions, a figure that is projected to explode as globalisation expands.

Singapore, the second busiest port in the world, contributes significantly to this. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a cleaner fuel option for ships, but still emits GHGs, albeit lower than traditional fuels.

This project brings together BPP Technical Services Ltd ( BPP-TECH) and SEATRIUM MARINE & DEEPWATER TECHNOLOGY PTE. LTD. (SMDTech) for the design of a modular onboard post-combustion CCUS system capable of capturing and storing CO2 from exhaust emissions of LNG-powered ships. The system will utilise novel materials for the solvent/sorbent and advanced manufacturing techniques for the liquefaction and storage equipment.

An energy management system will be incorporated into the process model design of the CCUS system to account for waste heat recovery, enhancing its efficiency.

Additionally, BPP-TECH will be mapping Blue LNG Corridors to optimise the refuelling time and decongestion of LNG-powered vessels, thereby providing clean air quality along the Singapore Harbour. The corridors will include the review of the integrated port infrastructure capable of safely and efficiently offloading the captured CO2 emissions from the LNG-powered vessels.

BPP-TECH and SMDTECH will conduct a comprehensive techno-economic assessment that includes the latest Singapore government tax incentives and carbon credits for the developed onboard CCUS technology. This assessment will help evaluate the costs and benefits of the project, including its potential for revenue generation and climate change mitigation.

Adopting this solution could meet the IMO 2030 target of a 30% reduction in GHG emissions in the maritime industry. The project aims to support the logistics of offloading CO2 emissions, reducing overall costs for shipping companies.

BPP-TECH will use their expertise in process design, modelling, and simulation in a symbiotic relationship with their Singaporean partner, SMDTECH, leveraging their expertise in the shipbuilding industry. BPP-TECH will validate the developed technology against rival technologies to assess its effectiveness and identify potential improvement areas. The validation will aid in strategising a marketing plan to allow rapid commercialisation of the technology.

The project represents an innovative and mature solution for reducing maritime GHG emissions and promoting using LNG as an alternative fuel with significant environmental and economic benefits.