World's First Centrifugal Onboard Carbon Capture Hits 98% Efficiency in Real-World Trial
World's First Centrifugal Onboard Carbon Capture Hits 98% Efficiency in Real-World Trial
World's First Centrifugal Onboard Carbon Capture Hits 98% Efficiency in Real-World Trial
A groundbreaking trial has successfully demonstrated the world’s first centrifugal onboard carbon capture system under real-world conditions. The technology, developed by Carbon Ridge, was tested aboard a commercial tanker over five months while it continued normal operations. Independent verification confirmed capture rates reaching as high as 98%, marking a major step for maritime decarbonisation efforts. The pilot took place on the STI Spiga, a 109,999 deadweight-tonne LR2 product tanker owned by Scorpio Tankers. Over the five-month period, the vessel remained in active commercial service while Carbon Ridge’s modular centrifugal system captured CO₂ emissions. Classification society DNV conducted the assessment under its Recommended Practice for onboard carbon capture verification.
DNV’s analysis revealed that the system consistently achieved high performance, with peak capture rates exceeding 98%. More than half of all recorded measurements fell between 86% and 98% efficiency. This trial represents the first maritime deployment of centrifugal OCCS technology, positioning Carbon Ridge as the first company to validate such a system in real-world operations. Scorpio Tankers’ Chief Operating Officer, Cameron Mackey, highlighted the significance of the verified results. He described onboard carbon capture as a practical solution for shipowners seeking compliance with emissions regulations. Meanwhile, DNV’s Head of Onboard Carbon Capture, Chara Georgopoulou, stressed the importance of independently verified data in building commercially viable business models for the technology. Carbon Ridge CEO Chase Dwyer noted that the results prove the company’s ability to drastically cut vessel emissions. The modular design of the centrifugal system allows for scalable deployment across different types of ships.
The trial confirms that centrifugal onboard carbon capture can deliver near-total CO₂ reduction without disrupting commercial operations. With independent validation from DNV, the technology moves closer to wider adoption in the shipping industry. Shipowners now have a verified tool to meet stricter emissions targets while maintaining operational efficiency.