MORSE.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.

MOFs for Reduction of Ship Emissions "MORSE" is a project lead by C-MAT Technologies in partnership with; University College London (UCL), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) including subsidiary - the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and Tope Ocean. This pre-deployment trial based feasibility study will develop a cutting-edge, CO2 emission, flue gas filtration system for the maritime transport sector. At it's heart, the technology employs novel metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a class of porous/sponge-like materials which have significant versatility and performance gains over competing materials such as activated carbon filters. With large internal surface areas acting as sites for CO2 molecules absorption, MOFs possess some of highest gas capture capacities of any known material. MORSE will adapt this filtration technology with an already proven track record in onshore industrial applications with the aim of successfully overcoming the challenge of decarbonising the shipping sector. In order for the International Maritime Organisation and the UK government to meet their targets of 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 (compared to 2008 levels), technologies such as MORSE must be developed in order to reduce carbon emitted by hydrocarbon burning vessels which currently dominate marine transportation. With an average lifespan of 20-25 years, new and existing vessels burning hydrocarbons will still be sailing beyond the 2035 initial target and 2050 final carbon target. Unless these vessels are targeted for carbon reduction through new retrofit technology it remains commercially unviable for companies to scrap their fleets in favour of building new low and zero carbon alternatives. MORSE will play a key role in significantly reducing carbon emissions from shipping in vessels running on conventional fuels, and also in the future when ships are built or converted to run on new and innovative fuels such as green methanol and ammonia.