A first-of-its-kind, barge-based emissions and carbon capture system was demonstrated for maritime stakeholders, regulators, and industry leaders during a live event at the Port of Long Beach on Wednesday.
The event, put on by STAX Engineering, Los Angeles, and its U.K.-based partner, Seabound, showcased the companies' integrated system in action as it filtered emissions from the at-berth roll-on/roll-off car carrier, Talisman, operated by Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean, Norway. Observers watched from a nearby catamaran as the emissions system — mounted on a mobile STAX barge — connected to the ship's exhaust stack to capture particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) pollutants.
The demonstration capped a series of trials funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and South Coast Air Quality Management District as part of an Advanced Technology Demonstration Project. Conducted throughout March and April, the system was tested aboard vessels from STAX clients NYK Line, Japan, and Wallenius Wilhelmsen, with independent validation provided by Yorke Engineering, LLC, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
Results showed the system removed 99% of PM, 95% of NOx, up to 95% of CO₂, and 90% of sulfur from ship exhaust — a feat previously thought to require significant vessel retrofits or port-side infrastructure changes.
Instead, the STAX-Seabound approach operates externally and requires no modifications to ships or ports, presenting a cost-effective path to compliance with tightening international and regional regulations, the companies said. The International Maritime Organization has called for a 20% cut in maritime carbon emissions by 2030, while the U.K. has recently updated its greenhouse gas targets.
The innovation lies in its two-step process: STAX’s system first filters out particulate matter and NOx, converting the toxic gases into cleaner forms. The remaining exhaust is then routed into Seabound’s compact onboard carbon capture module, where CO₂ and sulfur are chemically isolated and stored.
With $70 million raised earlier this year to support international expansion, STAX says plans are in motion for similar deployments overseas, including a potential collaboration with Associated British Ports at the Port of Southampton in the U.K.
“Today marks a landmark moment in our journey toward a zero-emissions future, and it’s just the beginning,” said STAX CEO Mike Walker. “As we expand our carbon capture capabilities across the fleet, our inaugural partnership with Seabound has been instrumental. The growing demand from our customers reinforces our commitment to leading the maritime sector toward a more sustainable future.”
“Our partnership demonstrates that effective, scalable emissions solutions are a reality that we can implement now,” said Alisha Fredriksson, co-founder and CEO of Seabound. “Our collaboration with STAX proves that by leveraging innovative onboard carbon capture, we can make a tangible difference on a global scale and provide the maritime industry with the tools vital for a sustainable future."
