USC, Caltech Scientists Unveil Breakthrough Shipboard System to Slash Carbon Emissions
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In a major step toward decarbonizing maritime transport, researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) and California Institute of Technology (Caltech), in partnership with startup Calcarea, have developed a ship-based system that could cut carbon dioxide emissions from shipping vessels by up to 50%. The innovation, detailed in a research article published in Science Advances, promises a practical and scalable way to curb emissions from one of the world’s most challenging industries to decarbonize.
The system mimics a natural ocean process. As ships travel, their exhaust CO2 is absorbed into seawater pumped onboard. This slightly acidic water is then passed through limestone, converting the CO2 into bicarbonate — a stable, naturally occurring compound in seawater. The now-neutralized water is safely released back into the ocean.
What’s beautiful about this is how simple it is,” William Berelson, USC professor and co-author, told USC News. “We’re accelerating a process the ocean already uses.
Lab experiments confirmed the method’s effectiveness, and advanced ocean models simulated its environmental impact. Over a decade-long hypothetical voyage between China and Los Angeles, the bicarbonate discharge showed negligible effects on ocean chemistry, an essential safety marker.
“From a basic science question, we found a real-world solution,” Berelson added.
The technology is being advanced by Calcarea, co-founded by Caltech’s Jess Adkins. The company is exploring commercial pilots and has partnered with Lomar Labs to bring the system to market.
“Scalability is built into our design,” Adkins said. “This can be adopted fleetwide without major ship redesigns.”
With maritime shipping accounting for nearly 3% of global emissions, researchers believe this solution could play a vital role in fighting climate change.
“It’s not a silver bullet,” Berelson said, “but it’s a big step in the right direction.”
Source: today.usc.edu
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