Product and chemical tanker company Ardmore Shipping Corporation has ordered Value Maritime’s (VM) carbon capture ready and emissions-reducing Filtree systems, including the Clean Loop system, for a further three MR Tankers.
Having already signed for six Filtrees at the end of last year, the additional three ships to be made ready for carbon capture and storage (CCS) through collecting CO2 emissions onboard in the future are Ardmore Engineer, Ardmore Exporter and Ardmore Seavanguard. Taking place during regular scheduled drydocks, the Filtree units will be installed in the first quarter of 2024 at yards in Asia. Timing installations in this way ensures zero disruption to the commercial activities of Ardmore’s vessels.
The VM Filtree system is based on technology that filters sulphur, CO2 and 99% of ultra-fine particulate matter from the tankers’ exhaust stream. The system uses a Clean Loop mechanism which additionally filters its own wash water, removing oil residues and particulate matter, ensuring the pH neutral value of the discharge water.
The plug-and-play Filtree system to be installed on the Ardmore tankers will be outfitted with a modular CCS system to help reduce further emissions. CO2 is captured from the vessel’s exhaust and stored in tanks onboard. This is then discharged onshore where it can be used, for example, in the sustainable cultivation of greenhouse crops, methanol plants, and even the food industry.
Yvette van der Sommen, Director Asia Pacific Value Maritime said: “You know you are headed in the right direction when you see your clients returning to expand their use of your emission-reducing technology and continuing to develop greener operations with you. The value, instant impact on ship’s emissions and quick return on investment is clear for us to see, and we’re heartened that Ardmore Shipping sees it too.”
The Filtree system is believed to offer a rapid return on investment for customers in Ardmore’s position. Due to the Filtree system’s removal of sulphur from the exhaust gas flow, Ardmore can cut its emissions today while continuing to sail with more cost-effective high-sulphur fuel. Additionally, this positively affects the vessel’s performance and maintenance requirements and requires zero downtime.
Garry Noonan, Director of Innovation, Ardmore Shipping said: “Regarding technology, we firmly believe in collaborating with business and technical partners to create solutions addressing the energy transition. As we adopt what might be referred to as the next generation in exhaust gas cleaning system technology, Value Maritime’s Filtree is exceptional in that it not only cleans and neutralizes overboard discharge but also offers an additional benefit in the form of a potential carbon capture upgrade. This gives us flexibility today while economically and efficiently future-proofing our vessels for tomorrow.”
