China has unveiled the world’s first offshore oil production and storage vessel capable of capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂). Developed by Cosco Ocean Shipping Heavy Industry Company, the FPSO (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading Unit) measures 330 metres and has the capacity to produce up to 120,000 barrels of crude oil per day , while significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
Advanced technology for carbon capture
The new FPSO incorporates advanced carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, allowing it to collect and store CO₂ released during the extraction process. In addition, the system reuses the heat from the exhaust gases to generate electricity, thus optimising energy consumption and contributing to environmental sustainability.
China has prioritized the development of technologies to reduce emissions in the oil and gas industry, with the goal of reaching peak emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. This project reinforces its commitment to mitigating climate change and modernizing its energy operations.
The role of carbon capture FPSO in the oil industry
Offshore crude oil production represents an environmental challenge due to the release of large volumes of CO₂. The SCMP portal explains that according to the International Energy Agency, in 2022, the industry generated 5.1 billion tons of emissions, equivalent to 15% of the global total related to energy. Implementing technologies such as carbon capture and storage in FPSOs is key to reducing this impact.
Companies such as SBM Offshore and the American Bureau of Shipping have shown interest in incorporating similar systems into their production units. In January, the American Bureau of Shipping approved the design of an ammonia production unit using carbon capture technology, indicating a growing interest in sustainable solutions in the energy industry.
The launch of this FPSO reinforces China’s position as a leader in clean energy and emission reduction technologies. In 2023, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) launched the first carbon capture and storage project at the Enping 15-1 oilfield, with a capacity to store 300,000 tons of CO₂ per year.
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Source and photo: South China Morning Post
