A Port member of PIN is advancing in getting prepared to support the decarbonization pathway of the port-maritime sector as part of its long-term climate strategy. While significant progress has been made in renewable energy integration, electrification of cargo-handling equipment and the use of alternative fuels, residual greenhouse gas emissions will probably remain across several operational domains. In addition, a technological alternative to respond to the challenges for the decarbonization of long -distance shipping might be the use of carbon capture technologies, that will require new infrastructure and assets in ports in order to respond to the new demand have to be prepared.
The captured CO2 is not only a molecule that has to be adequately handled in order to guarantee that the decarbonization strategies are met, but also a valuable chemical that can be used to produce many compounds. Some of them, e.g. methanol, are potential candidates as future fuels for the maritime sector, and the valorization of the CO2 to produce green methanol will enable the concept of circular fuel, which can be a sustainable and renewable approach for marine fuels. Considering all the above mentioned, it can be established that the general objective of a carbon capture strategy for a port is to progressively transform the port ecosystem from a carbon emitter into a structured carbon-management environment.
Challenges
Startups may address one or more of the following tracks:
A. CO₂ handling and storage
Solutions focusing on the debunkering of CO2 from vessels, the unload from vehicle tanks or the adequate and low maintenance storage of CO2 at the port area, including approaches such as (not exhaustive list):
- Highly efficient bunkering barges.
- Innovative concepts for loading/unloading from vessels or vehicles.
- CO2 storage solutions
Proposals must consider operational capability, energy efficiency and safety aspects.
B. Sequestration & Durable Storage
Solutions may include:
- Marine or terrestrial bio-sequestration systems
- Wetland or seagrass restoration measurement frameworks
- Microalgae-based systems
- Mineralization or carbon conversion processes
- Hybrid techno-ecological storage models
Proposals must consider long-term durability, verifiability, and operational coexistence with port activities.
C. Monitoring, Reporting & Verification (MRV) Architecture
The port is exploring digital systems capable of:
- Accurate measurement of captured and/or sequestered CO₂
- Secure reporting and traceability mechanisms
- Blockchain or distributed ledger solutions for carbon accounting
- Integration with IoT sensor networks and environmental monitoring platforms
- Compatibility with voluntary and regulatory carbon frameworks
Solutions should reduce risks of misreporting and ensure methodological transparency.
D. CO2 valorization
Proposals could focus on uses for the captured CO2 such as:
- Alternative fuels
- Industrial chemicals
- Bioalgae growth for biomass production
- Improvement of construction materials
Expectations
The Port member of PIN expects solutions to demonstrate:
- Technical feasibility under real port operating conditions
- Modular deployment capability
- Minimal interference with vessel operations and cargo handling
- Clear scalability pathway from pilot to wider deployment
- Alignment with recognized carbon accounting methodologies
Preference may be given to solutions that combine environmental impact with economic viability and digital robustness.
Constraints
Proposed solutions must account for the following operational realities:
- High-density maritime traffic with strict navigational safety requirements
- Limited available waterfront and terminal space
- Exposure to salinity, humidity, temperature variation, and corrosion
- Water-quality variability due to dredging and sediment movement
- Continuous 24/7 cargo operations with limited downtime
- Compliance with environmental, industrial, and maritime safety regulations
Solutions must not compromise operational safety, port productivity, or regulatory compliance.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be assessed based on:
A. Technical Readiness & Reliability
- Technology maturity level (TRL)
- Performance stability in marine-industrial environments
- Ease of integration into existing infrastructure
B. Environmental Performance
- Energy efficiency
- Additional environmental co-benefits (air quality, ecosystem enhancement)
C. Scalability & Economic Feasibility
- CAPEX and OPEX considerations
- Lifecycle sustainability
- Potential for replication across other ports
D. Digital Integrity & Traceability
- Robustness of MRV systems
- Data integrity and cybersecurity
- Interoperability with existing digital ecosystems
E. Operational Compatibility
- Minimal disruption to vessel traffic and cargo handling
- Maintenance requirements and long-term operability
F. Innovation Value
- Degree of differentiation
- Potential contribution to advancing port-level carbon management practices