HMM to install onboard carbon capture system, preps part of fleet for slow steaming future
South Korean flagship HMM plans to conduct field tests this year of an onboard carbon capture system for containerships along with compatriots Samsung Heavy Industries and Panasia, a scrubber manufacturer which has latterly developed carbon capture technology.
A feasibility study has already been carried out, which showed that no major reconfiguration of existing equipment is required and that the additional kit onboard will not hinder vessel stability.
In addition, HMM has decided to replace the propellers of six containerships with more efficient ones specially designed for slow steaming, a potential nod towards the expected downturn in container fortunes. The replacement process will start in 2024, and HMM expects to increase energy efficiency by 8-9%.
An HMM official commented, “We will continue our efforts on a pathway to carbon neutrality by 2050 based on collaborative work with various industrial players.”
How is this going to work? What’s the chemical process, and in what form is the “captured carbon” landed ashore and kept inert and safe for aeons?
Until Samsung, HMM and Panasia answer these questions, this is just greenwashing and should be treated with utter contempt.