Techno-economic and environmental assessment of carbon capture solutions in maritime transportation

Maritime transportation generates roughly 3 % of global greenhouse gas emissions , making it a critical target for decarbonization initiatives aimed at fulfilling the International Maritime Organization's net-zero emissions objective by 2050. Retrofitting vessels with carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems has emerged as a feasible short-term solution. Through a review of existing studies and the comparison of key performance indicators , this review offers a comprehensive assessment of CCS technologies , emphasising their advantages, drawbacks, and relevance to the specific case of the shipping industry . This work provides a specific examination of maritime CCS technologies, tackling essential issues. Chemical absorption is the most advanced method, with CO 2 capture rates above 90 % at costs as low as EUR 163.07/t CO 2 . Nonetheless, the substantial energy demand and integration difficulties restrict its extensive implementation. Alternative technologies, including membranes and carbon solidification, exhibit potential but are still in preliminary development phases, characterised by elevated costs and reduced performance. Finally, this review defines gaps and offers suggestions for the progression of maritime CCS technologies. These include the investigation of advanced materials , the enhancement of system efficiency, and the incorporation of renewable energy sources to improve feasibility and decrease costs, thereby facilitating the transition to sustainable maritime operations.