Stax Secures $70 Million to Revolutionize Ship Emissions Capture

Image Credit: STAX Engineering

STAX Engineering, a leader in maritime emissions control, has secured $70 million in funding to accelerate the deployment of its emissions capture technology and advance carbon capture initiatives. The investment, led by Firstime Credit and Deutsche Bank Private Credit & Infrastructure, will fuel the company’s rapid expansion as it works toward its ambitious goal of capturing 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Alongside this financial milestone, STAX has launched carbon capture trials in collaboration with Seabound, a specialist in onboard carbon capture solutions. Currently underway at the Port of Los Angeles, these trials integrate Seabound’s compact carbon capture units with STAX’s emissions control technology. STAX’s system first filters exhaust emissions from ships before being funneled into Seabound’s capture unit, isolating and storing carbon and sulfur before releasing a significantly cleaner exhaust. Early results suggest a high potential for large-scale adoption, with full deployment expected in late 2025.

This momentum comes as STAX continues to solidify its position in the shipping industry, securing multi-year contracts with major global operators, including ZIM Integrated Shipping Services and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K-Line). ZIM, one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, and K-Line, a Japanese firm specializing in container, bulk cargo, and automotive logistics, join an impressive roster of industry giants already working with STAX, such as Shell, NYK Line, Hyundai GLOVIS, Toyota, and Olympus. These partnerships underscore the growing demand for STAX’s technology as maritime operators seek solutions to comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.

“We’re building real momentum at STAX, and this funding marks a pivotal moment for both our company and the maritime industry,” said Michael Walker, CEO of STAX Engineering. “As we pursue expanding our carbon capture capabilities to drive the industry toward cleaner, more sustainable practices, our inaugural partnership with Seabound is pivotal. At the same time, new partnerships with ZIM and K-Line reflect rising demand for our emissions capture and control technology, helping us scale our impact across global fleets. Through these partnerships, we’re accelerating our vision to capture 1% of global emissions and set a new standard for carbon capture adoption across shipping and beyond.”

“The maritime industry has long been one of the toughest sectors to decarbonize, and partnering with STAX to integrate our carbon capture technology is a meaningful step forward,” said Alisha Fredriksson, Co-Founder & CEO of Seabound. “Together, we’re laying the foundation for a future where shipping can achieve zero-emissions operations, setting a new standard for sustainability across the industry.”

The $70 million investment consists of $60 million in debt financing from Firstime Credit and Deutsche Bank Private Credit & Infrastructure and $10 million through a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE). This funding will drive the commercialization of STAX’s next-generation emissions capture technology, ensuring its continued growth and ability to meet rising global demand.

"This funding round directly reflects our confidence in STAX's groundbreaking technology, sustainable innovation, and vision," said Yoni Ophir, CEO of Firstime Credit. “At Firstime Credit, we partner with companies like STAX to fuel their growth with tailored financing solutions that deliver value to both the company and our global financial partners.”

"Deutsche Bank Private Credit & Infrastructure is proud to support STAX Engineering in their mission to reduce criteria pollutants and improve air quality with their market-leading technology. This financing underscores our commitment to innovation and partnership with leading management teams," said Alexander Gorokhovskiy, Head of North America Venture and Corporate Direct Lending at Deutsche Bank Private Credit & Infrastructure.

Since its launch in early 2024, STAX has established itself as the only emissions solution servicing all major vessel types in California, including container ships, auto carriers, and tankers. The company has already treated at-berth vessels for 13,000 hours, capturing over 100 tons of pollutants. With California Air Resource Board (CARB) emissions regulations tightening in January 2025, STAX is critical in helping operators remain compliant at key ports such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, Hueneme, Benicia, and Oakland.

Unlike other emissions solutions, STAX’s technology requires no vessel modifications or retrofits, making it an accessible and effective option for a wide range of shipping operators. Its system captures 99% particulate matter (PM) and 95% nitrogen oxides (NOx), dramatically reducing harmful emissions. Looking ahead, STAX is expanding into additional U.S. and international ports while exploring opportunities to deploy its technology in new industries, including data centers.