Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 19, STAX Engineering, a U.S.-based maritime emissions control company, has partnered with UK-based Seabound to lead the PortZero project, aimed at creating a zero-emission port environment. The initiative, supported by £1.1 million ($1.5 million) from the UK Department for Transport’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC6), is part of the £236 million UK SHORE program administered by Innovate UK, funding 71 projects to advance maritime decarbonization.

The PortZero consortium, including Associated British Ports (ABP) and Lomar Shipping, seeks to address the challenge of reducing port emissions while improving air quality in surrounding communities. Named “Enabling Zero-Emission Ports via Carbon and Air Pollution Capture from Berthed Vessels,” the project integrates STAX’s emissions capture barge with Seabound’s carbon capture technology to achieve significant emission reductions without requiring vessel modifications or extensive infrastructure investments.

STAX’s mobile barge can capture up to 99% of particulate matter and 95% of nitrogen oxides, while Seabound’s system isolates and stores up to 95% of carbon dioxide and 90% of sulfur emissions. The combined solution will debut at ABP’s Southampton Port, utilizing Lomar Shipping’s vessels. This approach offers a cost-effective alternative to shore power, which often demands substantial upfront costs and is not universally compatible with all vessel types, with only 20% of required shore power infrastructure currently installed in major European ports.

Mike Walker, CEO of STAX Engineering, stated: “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. 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.”

The PortZero project builds on a prior collaboration between STAX and Seabound, which began carbon capture trials in February 2025, supported by STAX’s $70 million funding to scale its emissions control technology. By April 2025, the partners demonstrated a pioneering integrated emissions and carbon capture system, laying the groundwork for this initiative. The project underscores a commitment to sustainable maritime operations, enhancing air quality and supporting environmental goals in Southampton and beyond.