Green ships? A new era in the decarbonization of maritime shipping is taking shape after the Finnish giant Wärtsilä officially launched a revolutionary carbon capture system (CCS), capable of reducing the CO₂ emissions of commercial ships by up to 70%. After a successful test run at sea, the technology is now available for global adoption – marking a defining moment for sustainability in the maritime industry, including the yachting sector.
The first fully functional CCS system, tested in real conditions
The testing of this system took place on board the commercial vessel Clipper Eris, a ship for transporting ethylene, belonging to the Norwegian company Solvang ASA. The ship departed Singapore in February 2025, already equipped with Wärtsilä’s SOx scrubber systems – used to reduce sulfur oxide emissions – making the installation of the CCS system a natural extension.
Unlike theoretical solutions or prototypes, this is the first functional CCS system capable of capturing emissions from all on-board exhaust sources. This makes it relevant not only for large commercial vessels, but also for luxury yachts that want to integrate green technologies without compromising on performance.
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According to Wärtsilä President and CEO Håkan Agnevall, CCS technology is making significant progress towards achieving the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. “Reducing emissions by up to 70% sends a clear signal about the remarkable potential of this technology in the global decarbonization effort,” said Agnevall.
For yacht owners, especially those interested in transoceanic exploration, this technology offers the unique opportunity to sail in compliance with the new regulations without sacrificing autonomy or comfort. The integration of CCS into future yacht projects or in the modernization of existing ones can become an important differentiator in a market where sustainability is becoming an increasingly important criterion.
Competitive costs and extensive compatibility
Developed since 2019, Wärtsilä’s CCS system has also been tested at the research center in Moss, Norway, where it captures 10 tons of CO₂ from a marine engine daily. These results, along with offshore testing, confirm the efficiency and scalability of the solution.
Current estimates indicate a cost of between USD 54 and USD 76 per tonne of CO₂ captured – a competitive value as ship (and yacht) owners will be increasingly subject to regulations on carbon taxes and emissions transactions.
The system is designed to work on both new ships and retrofit projects and is compatible with various types of fuels – from HFO and LNG, to methanol and marine diesel. Moreover, it can work alongside other on-board pollution control technologies, such as particulate filters or NOx reduction systems.
A “plug-and-play” solution for luxury yachts?
For the yacht segment, CCS technology can be seen as a bridge between engineering excellence and environmental responsibility. In an industry where customization and adaptability are essential, the system’s ability to be configured for various ship sizes and fuel types makes it extremely attractive.
Companies such as Solvang ASA – Wärtsilä’s partner in this project – support the rapid adoption of this solution. “Carbon capture is one of the most promising solutions for maritime decarbonization,” said Edvin Endresen, CEO of Solvang ASA, highlighting the importance of working with trusted partners for sustainable innovation.
The future of yachting is greener
With increasing pressure from European regulations and sustainability-oriented customers, Wärtsilä’s launch of the CCS system may redefine the standards of the yachting industry. Whether we are talking about expedition yachts, superyachts or hybrid expedition ships, such a solution can quickly become a basic requirement for builders and owners who want to be at the forefront of maritime sustainability.
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