US endorses carbon capture and biofuels in shipping decarbonisation plans

The US government has listed biofuel and carbon capture technologies as potential short-term solutions to curb carbon dioxide emissions in shipping.

PHOTO: Exhaust gases flow from the funnel of a cruise ship. Getty Images

Earlier this week, the US government released its National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, under which it disclosed strategies and a framework to eliminate emissions from its transport sector, including shipping, by 2050.

The blueprint report underlines ammonia, methanol and hydrogen as promising shipping fuels. However, also states that additional research is required to ensure these fuels have low emissions across their lifecycle.

It also backs biofuel as a greener drop-in fuel to replace conventional marine fuel. The report said that biofuel blends offer immediate greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reduction opportunities. As biofuel production is being ramped up and increasingly accepted by various industries such as aviation and road transport, the shipping industry could get a chance to benefit from economies of scale and lower production and purchasing costs.

The report also places a strong emphasis on adoption of carbon capture and exhaust gas treatment systems onboard vessels. These technologies can reduce emissions of harmful pollutants and curb carbon dioxide emissions, it states.

But it also acknowledges severe challenges to uptake of onboard carbon capture systems. Major obstacles such as portside logistics for disposal of the captured pollutants and management of onboard storage capacity need to be addressed, the report adds.

International shipping accounts for roughly half of US marine emissions. Domestic shipping accounts for 30% and recreational boats account for the remainder, according to estimates from the US Environmental Protection Agency.

By Nithin Chandran

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online