A groundbreaking shipboard system developed by researchers at the University of Southern California (USC), Caltech, and the startup Calcarea is poised to revolutionize maritime sustainability. This innovative technology directly addresses the significant environmental impact of the shipping industry, which contributes a substantial portion of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The system mimics a natural oceanic process to capture and neutralize CO2 emissions. As ships travel, exhaust CO2 is absorbed into onboard water, which then reacts with limestone to form bicarbonate, a stable compound. The treated water, now stripped of CO2, is safely discharged back into the ocean.
Simulations confirm the environmental safety of this method, with negligible impact on ocean pH. Widespread adoption could slash shipping-related CO2 emissions by up to 50%. Calcarea is actively pursuing commercialization through pilot programs and collaborations, marking a significant step toward a greener maritime future.