The International Maritime Organization (IMO) hosted a high-level technical seminar on Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage (OCCS) systems at its London headquarters last month, bringing together industry stakeholders to explore the latest advancements and share operational insights.

The event came as global shipping companies intensify efforts to meet the IMO’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.

OCCS adapts traditional Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology for use directly on ships. It works by capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from ship exhausts before they are released into the atmosphere.

The captured CO₂ is then temporarily stored onboard and later offloaded at port for transport to facilities where it can either be repurposed for industrial use or permanently stored underground. With international shipping accounting for nearly 3% of global GHG emissions, OCCS is increasingly seen as a vital tool in the fight against climate change.

Opening the seminar, Mr. David Osborn, IMO’s newly appointed Director of the Marine Environment Division, underscored the technology’s significance.

“This seminar aims to deepen understanding of OCCS advancements and its role in decarbonizing international shipping. We will also examine infrastructure readiness, as well as environmental, safety, and human-element considerations,” he said.

Presentations included case studies from live shipboard trials, addressing operational challenges such as safe CO₂ handling, storage, and transport. Innovative applications of captured carbon were also discussed, including its conversion into building materials like limestone.

Over 400 participants attended the seminar, gaining insights into the full carbon value chain—from capture at sea to offloading at port and final storage or utilization.

Mr. Roel Hoenders, IMO’s Head of Clean Air and Climate Action, reaffirmed IMO’s commitment to creating a robust regulatory framework for OCCS.

“IMO is actively developing guidelines to ensure the safe and sustainable deployment of OCCS technology,” he stated, citing plans for certification, testing, and operational standards.

The seminar also highlighted the London Protocol (LP), the only international treaty governing the safe injection and permanent storage of CO₂ beneath the seabed.

Experts concluded with a call for stronger collaboration among governments, shipowners, and technology developers, noting that while OCCS is a transitional solution, it could play a crucial role in accelerating progress toward a cleaner, greener shipping industry.