Wärtsilä launches carbon capture solution after world-first full-scale installation success

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🗞️ Driving the news: Wärtsilä has officially launched its carbon capture solution (CCS) for commercial use in the maritime sector, following the successful full-scale installation aboard Solvang ASA’s ethylene carrier Clipper Eris
• The system, operational since February 2025, reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 70% from all exhaust sources on board, offering shipowners a near-term pathway to meet tightening global emissions regulations

🔭 The context: The maritime industry is under growing pressure to decarbonise in line with the International Maritime Organization’s target to reduce shipping GHG emissions by at least 50% by 2050
• While zero-emission fuels remain under development, CCS offers an interim solution for ships reliant on conventional fuels like HFO and LNG
• Wärtsilä, a veteran in ship emissions control, began developing marine CCS in 2019 and operates a test facility in Norway capturing 10 tonnes of CO₂ daily

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Maritime CCS has the potential to significantly cut the sector’s emissions without waiting for full-scale fuel transitions
• It allows existing fleets to remain operational and compliant, reducing the risk of stranded assets and accelerating decarbonisation in hard-to-abate deep-sea shipping
• Its compatibility with existing emissions controls and multiple fuel types enhances scalability and real-world feasibility

⏭️ What's next: Wärtsilä’s CCS is now available globally, with modular solutions for both retrofits and newbuilds
• The company anticipates strong adoption driven by regulatory pressure and environmental targets. Further installations will test scalability across vessel classes, while ongoing collaboration with shipowners like Solvang ASA will inform broader deployment
• The solution’s cost — estimated at €50–€70 per tonne of CO₂ — will be scrutinised by operators assessing compliance versus fuel-switching options

💬 One quote: “CCS is a game-changer for the maritime industry… this new technology complements the industry’s ongoing efforts to dramatically reduce emissions from vessels and prevent stranded assets,”  Håkan Agnevall, President and CEO, Wärtsilä.

📈 One stat: Wärtsilä’s CCS system has demonstrated the capability to cut ship CO₂ emissions by up to 70%, with capture costs estimated at €50–€70 per metric tonne of CO₂

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