Port of Southampton trials emissions capture

The deployment comes as part of a £1.1 million Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC6) grant awarded to a four-company consortium led by carbon capture startup Seabound.

The PortZero project, ‘Enabling Zero-Emission Ports via Carbon and Air Pollution Capture from Berthed Vessels’, brings together STAX Engineering, Seabound, Associated British Ports (ABP) and Lomar Shipping. The initiative aims to demonstrate how ports can drastically reduce emissions without costly retrofits or shore power infrastructure.

“This project validates what we’ve known for years – ports need emissions solutions that work today without the infrastructure disruptions caused by solutions like shore power,” said Mike Walker, chief executive of STAX Engineering.

“The UK government’s investment in PortZero proves there’s real demand for technology that delivers immediate results without forcing ports to choose between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. Our message is simple: clean air can’t wait, and with this technology, it doesn’t have to.”

The system integrates STAX’s barge-based emissions capture unit which removes up to 99% of particulate matter and 95% of Nox, with Seabound’s carbon capture module, isolating 95% of CO₂ and 90% of sulphur emissions.

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“Sustainability and innovation are key themes as ABP helps its customers to adapt to the changing environment,” said Max Harris, head of strategy and sustainability at ABP.

“We are excited to explore the potential of this innovative solution as we pursue ever better air quality at our ports and support maritime decarbonisation.”

The PortZero system builds on the successful Carbon Capture Showcase in April 2025 and signals a growing shift toward scalable, immediate emissions solutions for global ports.