Identification of the Safety and Integrity Challenges for Carbon Capture Systems Onboard Marine Vessels or Offshore Facilities

Abstract

Abstract The maritime industry is exploring pathways to mitigate its environmental footprint using negative emissions technologies (NETs) such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) by 2050 to achieve significantly lower gas emissions from shipping and offshore facilities. This paper investigates the safety and integrity challenges associated with onboard CCS (OCCS) deployed on marine vessels and offshore installations. First, the study reviews different CO2 capture techniques and onboard storage and then, elucidates CO2's physical states and properties, as they relate to these processes. Using a comprehensive analysis of literature and previous incidents related to carbon capture and storage systems, this study highlights potential hazards associated with these processes to help in understanding the associated risks and limitations. Finally, it investigates case studies that illustrate how these identified hazards can manifest as tangible safety challenges within the framework of OCCS. CO2 chemical properties can be categorized into three major groups: those related to capture, storage & transportation, and safety hazards. Capturing CO2 from the ship's exhaust gas can be done through one of several mechanisms: liquid absorption, solid adsorption, membrane, cryogenic separation, and calcium looping. Regardless of the capture technique, the current state of the art is that CO2 is stored in a liquefied state aboard ships within containers under moderate pressure (ranging from 7 to 18 bar) and at low temperatures (between -50°C and -28°C). CO2 poses hazards, including health risks, environmental concerns from boil-off gas generation and offshore release impacting marine life, and safety risks due to poor dispersion in low-lying areas. The research aims to facilitate a seamless integration of OCCS technologies and foster a sustainable and eco-conscious maritime future by offering insights into potential hazards, risks, and safety considerations.