Carbon capture system awarded AiP

Norway’s Rotoboost AS has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from Lloyd’s Register (LR) for its pre-combustion carbon capture system, Rotobox. The technology, suitable for LNG carriers and other LNG-fuelled vessels, is based on a thermocatalytic decomposition process (TCD) in which part of the natural gas fuel supply is converted into hydrogen and graphite with a liquid catalyst.

The TCD process cuts carbon dioxide and particulate emissions and reduces methane slip by producing hydrogen, capturing carbon in its solid form in the process, LR explained in a statement. Hydrogen from the process is potentially available for fuel cells or as a blend-in fuel for combustion engines or gas-fired boilers.

The system is scalable, has lower electrical power requirements than competing CCS systems, and requires less storage space for solid carbon, according to the statement. It is suitable, therefore, for long voyages.

Andy McKeran, LR’s chief commercial officer, commented: "I believe that the decarbonisation of shipping starts now, and we need to find solutions that reduce emissions today. Therefore, I am pleased to award the Approval in Principle to Rotoboost for their innovative carbon capture system. Solving the methane emissions perception in the industry, through technology and evidence, enables LNG to become a future fuel that is readily available today, subject to affordability – which ranks higher than any other alleged lower emissions fuel available today."

Rotoboost CEO, Kaisa Nikulainen, said: "We are delighted to present the shipping industry with a novel approach to tackle emissions without compromising cargo efficiency and overall economy. Our technology introduces a new perspective on fossil fuels, demonstrating how they can be equally green when used innovatively.

"In addition to hydrogen as a green blend-in fuel, our by-product, pyrolytic graphite, is also an excellent battery-grade anode material for electric cars and green steel production. This circular economy creates a powerful tool to combat global warming and climate change on both land and sea. Our technology also demonstrates great potential in cost-effective production of green methanol and ammonia in land-based facilities, which further provides the shipping industry with other affordable alternative fuel options."

LR said that the AiP validates the system as compliant with its goal-based and comprehensive prescriptive requirements, "marking a further milestone in the development of carbon capture technology".

Rotoboost’s head office is in Tønsberg, Norway. The hydrogen technology company also has facilities in Finland and China.