STAX Engineering, a California-based maritime emissions control company, and Seabound, a UK-based onboard carbon capture firm, have successfully demonstrated an integrated emissions and carbon capture solution. The modular system, tested at the Port of Long Beach on April 16, 2025, is now prepared for potential deployment with Associated British Ports (ABP) in the Port of Southampton.

During the Long Beach trial, the system was installed on a STAX barge and connected to a roll-on roll-off vessel operated by Wallenius Wilhelmsen. It filtered particulate matter and nitrogen oxide from the vessel’s exhaust while capturing carbon dioxide. STAX’s mobile emissions control unit removes 99% of particulate matter and 95% of nitrogen oxide, converting exhaust into purified gas. Seabound’s technology then captures up to 95% of carbon and 90% of sulfur, storing these before releasing cleaned exhaust.

Mike Walker, STAX CEO, stated: “Today (April 16) marks a landmark moment in our journey toward a zero-emissions future, and it’s just the beginning of a global maritime emissions solution.” Alisha Fredriksson, Seabound’s Co-founder and CEO, added: “Our partnership demonstrates that effective, scalable emissions solutions are a reality that we can implement now.”

In March 2025, ABP included STAX and Seabound in its Energy Ventures Accelerator, a program supporting clean energy startups to achieve Net Zero by 2040. Paul J. G. Rennie, OBE, noted: “This collaboration is a powerful example of how UK-US commercial partnerships are shaping the future of global industries by delivering innovative tech that not only transforms port operations but also supports cleaner and more resilient supply chains world-wide.”

Since early 2024, STAX has enabled compliance with California Air Resources Board regulations in five major ports, capturing over 126 tons of pollutants. The company plans to deploy its eighth barge in April 2025 and recently secured $70 million to expand carbon capture integration globally. Seabound, established in 2021, completed a successful carbon capture trial in 2024 with Lomar Shipping and Hapag Lloyd, achieving approximately 80% CO2 capture efficiency on a 3,200 TEU container vessel. The company is set to launch full-scale commercial systems in 2025.

This collaboration highlights a practical approach to reducing maritime emissions, supporting cleaner port operations and sustainable global supply chains.