Exploring carbon capture for maritime decarbonization: A case study on a military vessel

The maritime industry faces mounting pressure to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, with regulatory bodies increasingly targeting decarbonization. While much of this attention has centred on commercial shipping, military fleets continue to operate largely outside the scope of emission regulations, despite their non-negligible environmental footprint. This study investigates the potential of carbon capture technologies as a viable and immediate solution for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from naval vessels, including those employed in military contexts. It examines the current advancements in onboard carbon capture systems and outlines the evolving regulatory landscape and preliminary standards introduced by leading classification societies. Amine-based absorption and calcium looping are selected for detailed analysis through a case study on a modern destroyer. Their implementation is evaluated under realistic operational conditions, focusing on carbon dioxide capture rate, auxiliary power demand, volumetric and mass impact, and integration constraints. The comparative evaluation underscores the trade-offs in technological readiness, effectiveness, and adaptability for maritime use. Ultimately, the research offers valuable insight into the potential role of carbon capture in greening the military maritime sector and advocates for the expansion of decarbonization efforts to encompass naval operations.