The maritime world witnesses a significant milestone as China’s shipbuilders float out the first commercial CO2 carriers, signaling a crucial advancement in Norway’s Northern Lights project. Initiated in 2021, the project, a collaboration between Equinor, Shell, and TotalEnergies, aims to commence commercial CO2 storage beneath the North Sea. These carriers, Northern Pathfinder and Northern Pioneer, floated out from Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., constitute a pivotal step towards operationalizing this ambitious venture.
Registered in Norway and classed by DNV, these vessels, operating under charter to Japan’s “K Line” (Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha), are set to undergo outfitting and testing before commencing commercial operations later this year. Boasting a cargo capacity of 7,500 cubic meters each and a length of 130 meters, these ships, equipped with purpose-built pressurized cargo tanks, are tailor-made for the transportation of liquid CO2.
Their design ensures minimal environmental impact during operation, featuring LNG propulsion, wind rotors, and hull air lubrication systems. Furthermore, their construction reflects meticulous planning and execution, with the first steel cut in November 2022, followed by the keel laying in April 2023. Ordered in October 2021, the vessels were constructed side-by-side, measuring approximately 426 feet in length and weighing 8,000 deadweight tons.
Northern Lights’ commitment to expanding its fleet is evident with a third vessel under construction, complemented by a strategic partnership with Germany’s Bernard Schulte to construct a fourth carrier, underscoring the project’s growth trajectory. Additionally, a binding agreement with Yara International in November 2023 signals a pioneering move towards commercial CO2 transport and storage, targeting 800,000 tonnes from ammonia production in the Netherlands by 2025.
The vessels are not merely symbols of maritime engineering prowess but integral components in tackling climate change. By facilitating the transportation and storage of CO2, they contribute to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals. As the world’s first commercial contract for CO2 capture and storage, Northern Lights sets a precedent for future endeavors in environmental stewardship and innovation.
Source:The maritime excutive