Norwegian Shipping Company Equips Freighter with Emission Control System

The maritime industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, a challenge echoed by the European Union's environmental goals. Norwegian shipping firm Solvang is leading the way in this endeavor by showcasing the Clipper Eris, a groundbreaking vessel designed to significantly lower emissions.

The Clipper Eris, a 160-meter liquid gas carrier, has become the first ship in the world to implement an Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage (OCCS) system. This innovative technology allows for a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by up to 70%, according to Solvang. The project is a collaboration between Solvang, engine manufacturers Wärtsilä and MAN Energy Solutions, and the Norwegian research organization SINTEF.

Launched in 2019, the Clipper Eris recently underwent modifications at the Seatrium shipyard in Singapore, where the emission control system was installed. The installation was completed in mid-January, and testing is set to commence shortly.

Like many ships, the Clipper Eris is powered by heavy fuel oil (HFO), with its engine producing 7.1 megawatts of power. The OCCS system, developed by Wärtsilä, processes the exhaust gases to extract carbon dioxide, which is then liquefied and stored in onboard tanks. This captured CO2 can either be stored underground or utilized in industrial applications, such as the production of synthetic fuels.

Edvin Endresen, the CEO of Solvang, emphasized the importance of onboard carbon capture technology combined with existing cleaning methods as a critical step towards decarbonizing the global maritime fleet. To encourage industry investment in emissions reduction systems, he called on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to establish and enforce regulations aimed at lowering emissions.

The European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) have highlighted the need for the shipping industry to decrease its emissions in their European Maritime Transport Environmental Report 2025. They stress that achieving the EU's climate and environmental objectives--focused on reducing energy consumption, pollution, and emissions while enhancing biodiversity--requires intensified efforts from the sector in the coming years.

While the report acknowledges the maritime sector's progress in sustainability, such as halving the amount of marine litter from fishing and shipping activities over the past decade, it points to ongoing challenges. Specifically, concerns remain regarding water pollution from oil and wastewater and the transition to cleaner fuels. Currently, freight and container shipping, commercial fishing, tanker transport, and cruise operations account for approximately 3-4% of total carbon dioxide emissions in the European Union, with a global figure of around 2.6%.