CO2 Marine Transportation from a Techno-Energetic Perspective

Abstract

CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) is a cornerstone of most proposed carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions strategies, as it is necessary to keep atmospheric CO2 concentrations below 450 parts per million by the year 2100 and, as such, prevent global warming. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts a removal capacity of 12 GtCO2/yr by 2050, whereas the present capability is 41 MtCO2/yr. Decarbonization may not be able to proceed quickly enough to reach net-zero emissions without CCUS technologies. In the maritime sector, CCUS serves a dual purpose: capturing CO2 from fossil fuel combustion and transporting the captured CO2 for its storage or utilization. This paper examines the importance of vessels as liquid CO2 carriers, emphasizing the transportation conditions associated with CO2. A techno-energetic analysis is carried out by studying various combinations of temperature and pressure. From a transport viewpoint, the findings indicate that reducing CO2 pressure is more cost-effective. In terms of pre-processing, higher CO2 pressures may lead to energy and, potentially, cost savings. However, the optimal pressure in the entire logistical chain remains uncertain. Further research is advised to broaden the scope of the chain to be analyzed.