Shanghai Moves Forward with Carbon Mineralization for Shipping
SHANGHAI, June 24, 2026 — A significant step has been taken in the shipping industry, as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has shown in-principle support for a plan spearheaded by Shanghai Qiyao Technology Group Co., Ltd. This initiative focuses on converting captured carbon dioxide (CO₂) into stable minerals that can be used in construction, marking a move toward permanent storage of onboard carbon.
During the recent MEPC 84 meeting, the IMO’s working group welcomed two proposals put forth by Shanghai Qiyao and its partners. These proposals suggest that CO₂ captured on ships can be transformed into stable carbonates, such as calcium carbonate. This process not only provides a method of permanent storage but also yields valuable construction materials without risking carbon leakage.
Traditional methods of carbon capture and storage (OCCS) rely heavily on geological mechanisms, which can be costly and limited by infrastructure. In contrast, mineralization presents a more affordable and practical option, turning CO₂ from a financial burden into a useful industrial asset.
A representative from Qiyao’s OCCS team expressed optimism about the IMO’s attention, stating, “This is a crucial step. Connecting shipboard capture to land-based mineralization makes carbon management both more practical and economically appealing for the industry.”
One of the proposals outlines the environmental and technical advantages of mineralization, suggesting it serves as an effective permanent sequestration method. The other proposal provides insights from a live demonstration project, detailing the complete process from onboard CO₂ capture to ship-to-ship transfer and final land transport for mineralization, confirming that the process is both traceable and verifiable.
Shanghai Qiyao has made notable progress by installing a full-scale carbon capture system on a 14,000 TEU container ship and achieving the world’s first transfer of liquid CO₂ between vessels for land-based mineralization. The company is collaborating with global partners to develop integrated solutions aimed at promoting a greener transition in the shipping sector.
About Shanghai Qiyao Technology Group Co., Ltd.
Shanghai Qiyao is committed to advancing the shipping industry’s transition toward lower carbon emissions. The company has made significant breakthroughs in key technologies for large-scale industrial applications. Its five main areas of focus include green fuel systems, energy efficiency solutions, marine environmental protection equipment, core LNG products, and smart marine devices, catering to various types of ocean-going vessels.
