World’s First Carbon-Capturing FPSO Vessel Ready For Delivery In China

China has completed the world’s first floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel that comes with a carbon capture and storage facility.

According to Science and Technology Daily, this vessel is set to be delivered by the end of February.

The FPSO, measuring 333 meters in length and 60 meters in width, is capable of producing up to 120,000 barrels of crude oil every day.

The vessel’s ability to capture carbon dioxide emissions generated not only during oil production but also during the vessel’s navigation process is what sets it apart from others.

It also uses the heat energy from exhaust gases to generate electricity, helping to meet both environmental and energy efficiency goals.

Offshore oil and gas production is responsible for releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide each year, contributing greatly to global greenhouse gas emissions.

The introduction of carbon capture and storage technology in such vessels could provide a much-needed solution to reduce emissions in offshore oil production activities.

The FPSO was developed by China’s state-owned Cosco Ocean Shipping Heavy Industry Company, and its completion is seen as an important step for the country’s efforts in carbon capture technology.

China recently completed the construction of the world’s first floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel equipped with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. The vessel is scheduled for delivery by the end of February. https://t.co/OyXok02B3N pic.twitter.com/h7ZU85HOb4

— CCTV+ (@CCTV_Plus) February 16, 2025

State broadcaster CCTV reported that this FPSO will be delivered at the end of February and is now the first of its kind in the world. The use of carbon capture technology has been identified as a critical method to address the emissions from oil and gas production.

The gas-fired turbines commonly used on FPSOs are the primary source of carbon dioxide emissions from these vessels, and reducing these emissions is a major technical challenge.

China, which is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has prioritised the development of carbon capture technology to meet its carbon emission targets.

The country aims to reach peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.

In 2023, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), the country’s largest offshore oil and gas producer, launched its first carbon capture and storage demonstration project at the Enping 15-1 oilfield in Guangdong.

This facility can store about 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually and is expected to store more than 1.5 million tonnes over its lifetime, which is equivalent to planting nearly 14 million trees.

Other leading companies are also developing similar FPSOs with carbon capture systems. For instance, the American Bureau of Shipping approved a new design in January for an ammonia production unit that includes onboard carbon capture technology and SBM Offshore, a Dutch global group, is preparing to launch a similar design.

References: Xinhua, SCMP

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