US-based emission reduction technology firm STAX Engineering has secured $150 million financing to boost its emissions capture system for ships.

IMAGE: STAX Engineering’s emissions capture and control barge STAX 6. STAX Engineering

The funding will be used for contracted fleet build through 2027 and “accelerate deployment” of its barge-based emissions capture systems at ports across California, STAX said.

The funding from Bain Capital comes ahead of California’s tanker emissions compliance deadline under the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) At-Berth Regulation, commencing on 1 January 2027.

CARB will mandate oceangoing container ships, passenger ships, and other vessels calling at California ports to reduce their emissions while at berth.

STAX’s system works by capturing exhaust gases like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), directly from a vessel’s funnel. It connects to the vessel using steel pipes and hoses, either from a barge or a land-based exhaust-gas treatment unit, preventing emissions from being released into the air.

This process does not require any additional equipment to be installed on the vessel itself. The technology can capture up to 99% of PM and 95% of NOx, STAX Engineering claims.

The financing will also support STAX’s agreement with California’s bulk-liquid storage operator IMTT to provide emissions capture systems at its Richmond terminal, it said.

Another agreement with US-based oil pipeline and terminal firm TransMontaigne covering its Richmond and Martinez facilities in California, will “expand STAX’s Northern California tanker footprint,” supporting more than 6,400 at-berth service hours through 2031.

Last year, the California-based firm announced an investment of £38 million ($51 million) to expand its emissions capture operations across ports in the UK.

By Aparupa Mazumder

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