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Langh Tech goes to market with innovative onboard carbon capture

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 27 November 2024 27 November 2024

Finnish green tech company Langh Tech expands its portfolio of exhaust gas treatment solutions for ships by an innovative system for onboard carbon capture (OCC). Langh Tech’s OCC system supports customers in their decarbonisation journey by reducing CO2 emissions from ship operation.

A unique feature of the system is the possibility to sell and utilize the sodium carbonate, which results at the end of the chemical process, for diverse applications in other industries. Thus, Langh Tech combines the environmental benefits of decarbonisation with creating additional value by selling and utilizing the waste product, which marks a significant contribution to creating a circular economy.

A pilot project with an OCC installation onboard of one ship of sister company Langh Ship was successfully run in test-mode during 2024. The pilot plant has shown that it is possible to capture rates over 80 percent from the exhaust gas flow coming into the system. The overall CO2-emissions can be reduced at least by 20 to 30 percent, depending on the available space, and other ship and product specifications.

The first commercial installations will take place early in 2025 onboard of four bulk carriers. Langh Tech has sold the OCC components to Damen Shipyards Group, who will do the installation on the bulk carriers. The ships will be equipped with a hybrid scrubber and an additional onboard carbon capture system from Langh Tech.

Rutger van Dam, Business Development Manager of Damen Shipyards Group explains:” The decision to choose Langh Tech was simple. CO2 capturing is the only economic way to drastically reduce emissions as of now. My main concern was the value of the CO2 end product being created onboard the ship. Langh Tech delivered on every front: a high capture rate, a high-value CO2 end product, and a significant reduction in emissions. From a commercial perspective, it made perfect sense. On a personal note, we share the same vision and goal: to greenify the global fleet. That alignment made Langh Tech the natural choice.”

The installations by Langh Tech are part of a project between Atal Solutions, BAM Shipping and Damen Shipyards Group. It aims at retrofitting ships with different technologies and to reduce fuel consumption to achieve a maximum reduction in CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, while using traditional fuels. The ultimate project goal is to bring CO2 emissions down by up to 60 percent with onboard carbon capture. This could be achieved through the continuous development of the system itself, as well as optimizing other limiting factors, such as installation size and onboard space, ship efficiency, loading and operations, or voyage planning.

“This partnership with Damen Shipyard Group and Langh Tech showcases how innovative collaboration drives meaningful change. Atal’s vision and willingness to embrace bold solutions demonstrate how we can address the challenges of decarbonization while unlocking economic and environmental benefits for the maritime sector. By investing in Langh Tech’s onboard carbon capture technology, we’re not just setting a new benchmark for sustainable shipping—we’re also paving the way for future projects and ongoing transformation in the industry. It’s a big leap, but one that aligns with our shared commitment to building a more sustainable future”, says Edwin Sieswerda, Founder and CEO of Atal Solutions.

Carbon capture as a vital tool for decarbonizing shipping

Carbon capture is emerging as a key technology in the transition of shipping towards net-zero as it provides a cost-effective addition to other decarbonisation options. Langh Tech is one of the first movers within the industry.

“Our onboard carbon capture solution gives shipowners and operators the possibility to decarbonize and balance their costs. The scarcity and significantly higher costs of carbon-neutral fuels are a substantial hurdle to the decarbonisation of shipping. It will take time until those fuels can be widely used and afforded. We are here to bridge this gap and help companies to decarbonize efficiently and according to their abilities”, says Laura Langh-Lagerlöf, Commercial Director of Langh Tech.

“At the same time, it is important to emphasize that the captured CO2 can also be used in the production of biofuels and synthetic fuels. Thus, our technology – if applied smartly – contributes to a green-fuel transition by setting up a circular economy.”

Langh Tech’s onboard carbon capture system is based on the long-standing experience of the company in exhaust gas treatment and applies a post-combustion technique. In short, the ship’s exhaust gases containing CO2 are directed into a capture unit. CO2 dissolves into the liquid phase through counter-currently flowing aqueous NaOH solution. A maximized surface area ensures highest possible carbon capture rates. As a result of several consecutive reactions, CO2 is chemically bound into a thermodynamically stable product of sodium carbonate.

Langh Tech’s Onboard Carbon Capture system: sustainable life-cycle approach

Throughout the whole development process of its onboard carbon capture-system, Langh Tech followed a circular approach. The system does not only reduce emissions but utilises the waste product. This creates monetary value and avoids and reduces emissions in the value chain of other industries.

In comparison to other carbon capture technologies, which are mostly based on amines, Langh Tech’s onboard carbon capture system has noteworthy advantages:

1. Value creation and circular economy approach:

Sodium carbonate, the solid product, which results in the end of the OCC process, can be turned into value. It can easily be marketed as it is widely applied as a key ingredient by various other industries, for example in the manufacturing of glass and detergents.

2. Less consumption of energy and other resources:

With Langh Tech’s post-combustion capture, there is no need for solvent regeneration or CO2 compression, which significantly reduces the additional energy consumption onboard, as well as the resources needed to operate the OCC system. No additional specialized equipment is needed. In turn, the capture reagent, sodium hydroxide, can be produced by electrolysis of sodium chloride using renewable energy. This ensures minimized emissions and sustainability over the whole lifecycle.

3. Simple and safe operations:

Langh Tech’s OCC system allows simple operation processes which do not require new specialized equipment. The used chemical is already applied and established in the maritime industry. The sodium carbonate can be collected in containers and be easily transported.

4. Customizable and scalable solutions:

Langh Tech’s OCC systems are designed with flexibility in mind. They can be adapted and scaled according to the specific needs of each vessel. This approach ensures a seamless integration of the technology into the existing ship infrastructure, offering a practical solution for a wide range of ship types.

CSI Design Expo Europe moves to Hamburg in 2025

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 25 November 2024 25 November 2024

Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) Design Expo Europe, the leading European trade fair for the interior design and outfitting of cruise ships, will find its new home port in Hamburg from 2025. This has been agreed by organiser Elite Exhibitions which merged with global exhibition organiser, CloserStill Media earlier in the year, and Hamburg Messe und Congress (HMC). They are thus establishing a new, long-term partnership that will also see the annual trade fair relocated from London to Hamburg. Hamburg Messe und Congress already plays host to the world's leading shipbuilding trade fair, SMM, and the European trade fair for cruise destinations, Seatrade Europe. Hamburg is thus further expanding its importance as a hotspot for the cruise industry.

“Hamburg isn’t just Europe’s cruise hub; it’s a global centre for maritime innovation, offering our exhibitors access to designers, cruise operators, shipyards, and industry leaders,“ says Toby Walters CEO of Elite Exhibitions. “It’s prime location and robust cruise infrastructure mean better access for decision-makers, making it the ideal stage for our event.“ As a specialised exhibition and conference format, Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe is aimed at the European cruise interior design industry and focuses on Europe's luxury ocean, river, and expedition cruise ships.

“With CSI Design Expo Europe, we are gaining a high-calibre event for Hamburg as a trade fair location that complements HMC's portfolio in a special way,” says a delighted Heiko M. Stutzinger, CEO of Hamburg Messe und Congress. “The cruise industry continues to boom, and there is a great demand for sustainable solutions for ship interiors. In conjunction with our broad-based maritime network and the modern, centrally located campus of our exhibition centre, together with our partner Elite Exhibitions we see ideal conditions for the event's long-term growth.”
With the premiere of CSI Design Expo Europe 2025 in Hamburg, the partners are combining their activities in the maritime interiors sector. The previously independent MARINE INTERIORS Cruise & Ferry Global Expo fair organised by HMC will be merged into CSI Design Expo Europe.

The first CSI Design Expo Europe to take place in Hamburg will be held on 3rd and 4th December 2025 and will then be held annually in December at the Hamburg trade fair centre. There is already strong demand from exhibiting companies to take part next year.

Almaco Group appoints Peter Melander as President of EPC Division

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 17 November 2024 17 November 2024

Almaco Group has appointed Peter Melander as President of its newly renamed EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) Division, previously known as the Accommodation Systems Division. Peter brings extensive experience and a strong history in leadership, sales, and innovation within the maritime industry.

Melander joins Almaco from his previous role at Alandia Engineering, where he served as Chairman and CEO. With a long and distinguished career in the maritime sector, Peter has held various leadership positions that have refined his expertise in sales, project management, and strategic development. His extensive background and strategic vision will be instrumental in driving Almaco’s EPC Division forward.

With the cruise modernization market booming, Almaco is placing increased emphasis on major conversions and modernizations of complete hotel areas on passenger ships. Hence, the renaming and new strategic focus of Almaco’s EPC Division, formerly called the Accommodation Systems Division.

Peter Melander’s location in Florida, a key hub for the maritime industry and the cruise market, aligns perfectly with this strategic focus. His presence in the region will enable Almaco to better serve its clients and meet the growing demand for conversions and modernization services.

Almaco is renowned for its expertise in handling major projects and offering full turnkey solutions. The company is committed to delivering comprehensive services that encompass every aspect of projects, from pre-development, design and engineering to installation and full turnkey lifecycle services and digital solutions. This approach ensures that clients receive high-quality, seamless solutions tailored to their specific needs throughout the lifetime of the ship.

Björn Stenwall, CEO of Almaco Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the new appointment: “We are thrilled to welcome Peter Melander to our team. His unique blend of technical expertise and leadership experience will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and expand our portfolio. Peter’s leadership will undoubtedly strengthen our commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable, and comfortable hotel areas and operations for our clients.”

Peter Melander commented on his new role: “I am excited to join Almaco Group and lead the EPC Division. I look forward to working with the talented team here to further enhance our offerings and contribute to the company’s growth and success.”

Photo: From left, Peter Melander and Björn Stenwall

Telenor Maritime signs agreement with Gotlandsbolaget

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 09 November 2024 09 November 2024

Telenor Maritime has announced that it will continue providing its advanced connectivity solutions on board DFDS Pearl Seaways and DFDS Crown Seaways, two passenger car ferries recently acquired by Gotlandsbolaget (Alvina Shipping AS). Gotlandsbolaget has chosen to maintain Telenor Maritime’s reliable and high-quality services, ensuring seamless communication and connectivity for passengers and crew as they sail through the Baltic Sea.

Earlier this year, Gotlandsbolaget expanded its fleet by acquiring the cruise ferries Pearl Seaways and Crown Seaways from DFDS. These vessels have been integral to the Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen route, serving over 700,000 passengers annually. 

Telenor Maritime, a leader in maritime communications, has been equipping these ships with hybrid connectivity platforms to deliver passenger connectivity since 2018. Their hybrid connectivity solutions integrate multiple technologies, including 4G and 5G networks, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites, and Radio Link systems. This combination ensures high-speed, low-latency internet access for passengers, crew, and onboard systems, regardless of the vessel's location. 

Recognizing the importance of uninterrupted connectivity for passenger satisfaction, Gotlandsbolaget has chosen to continue this partnership. By maintaining Telenor Maritime's services, the company ensures that passengers can enjoy reliable internet access, enhancing their travel experience.

This decision underscores Gotlandsbolaget’s confidence in Telenor Maritime's proven technology and highlights their commitment to maintaining a seamless and reliable travel experience for passengers, setting a high standard for maritime connectivity in the region.