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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on POLITICO or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Startups Stax Engineering (U.S.) and Seabound (U.K.) unveiled a barge-based carbon capture system to reduce emissions from ships idling at port
• Demonstrated at the Port of Long Beach on April 16, the technology captures CO₂, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides directly from the exhaust of docked vessels
• This system targets emissions from ships running on heavy fuel oil while stationary for cargo operations or maintenance
🔭 The context: Maritime shipping accounts for roughly 3% of global CO₂ emissions — more than Japan’s national total
• While efforts to decarbonize the sector focus largely on fuel transitions and vessel design, emissions from idling ships remain an overlooked source of pollution, especially in busy ports
• Each stationary vessel can emit up to 24 metric tons of CO₂ per day, contributing significantly to local air pollution and global warming
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: This innovation offers a scalable interim solution for cutting port-related emissions without needing to retrofit vessels or wait for long-term fuel transitions
• By targeting pollution hotspots in port cities, it can also deliver near-term air quality benefits
• However, effectiveness depends on widespread port adoption, regulatory support, and infrastructure investment
⏭️ What's next: The companies plan to expand deployment of the system to more ports globally, while engaging with shipping operators and port authorities
• If successful, the approach could complement broader decarbonization strategies under the International Maritime Organization’s climate goals
• Regulatory frameworks and carbon pricing mechanisms could accelerate adoption and ensure emissions reductions are verifiable and permanent
💬 One quote: “Every idling ship is a mini power plant burning the dirtiest fuel available — we’re offering a solution that captures those emissions before they hit the air,” - Michael Walker, CEO of Stax Engineering
📈 One stat: Each idling cargo ship emits between 15 and 24 metric tons of CO₂ per day, equivalent to the daily emissions of over 1,500 passenger cars
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