10160903MORSE.02 - MOFs for Reduction of Ship EmissionsClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKMORSE.02 -- MOFs for Reduction of Ship Emissions is an innovative, collaborative project led by C-MAT Technologies in partnership with University College London (UCL) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). The project aims to develop and demonstrate an advanced onboard carbon capture system that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions from ship exhaust. By employing next-generation metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) -- highly porous materials with exceptionally high CO2 adsorption capacities -- the system captures and concentrates CO2 directly at the point of emission, enabling effective reduction of a vessel's carbon footprint. Building on successful laboratory-scale proof-of-concept work, MORSE.02 will integrate a prototype MOF filtration unit into a test engine or equivalent facility, simulating real-world maritime conditions. As a ship operates, exhaust gases pass through the modular MOF beds where CO2 is selectively adsorbed. Periodic regeneration cycles, powered by low-grade waste heat from the engine exhaust, release the captured CO2 for temporary onboard storage. This continuous process not only achieves high capture efficiency but also avoids the corrosive solvents and high-temperature requirements associated with conventional amine scrubbing systems, making it ideally suited for the constrained and dynamic marine environment. The project will rigorously evaluate multiple MOF materials for stability and performance under humid, contaminant-laden conditions typical of marine exhaust. UCL contributes world-class expertise in material synthesis and process simulation, while C-MAT leads system engineering and maritime integration. NERC and industrial stakeholders provide critical insights to ensure the technology meets practical operational needs. Data gathered during the demonstration -- including CO2 capture rates, energy consumption, and overall system reliability -- will inform iterative design improvements and establish the basis for scale-up towards full ship installations. By enabling retrofit solutions for existing vessels, MORSE.02 offers a realistic pathway to reducing maritime emissions during the transition to zero-emission fuels. The technology supports compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks and positions the United Kingdom as a leader in clean maritime innovation. In doing so, the project not only contributes to national decarbonisation goals but also paves the way for widespread adoption of onboard carbon capture systems, offering substantial environmental and economic benefits to the maritime sector. Through comprehensive performance validation and iterative system enhancements, MORSE.02 not only demonstrates the technical viability of onboard MOF-based carbon capture, but also establishes a transformative model for retrofitting existing maritime fleets, ultimately driving regulatory compliance, reducing operating costs, and significantly contributing to the global effort to mitigate climate change at scale.