Today, in a notable ceremony attended by HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HM King Frederik of Denmark, INEOS and Royal Wagenborg finalized a multi-year agreement to build and operate a state-of-the-art CO₂ carrier. This milestone contract signals a significant move towards bolstering carbon capture and storage (CCS) capabilities within Europe and emphasizes both companies’ commitment to sustainable innovation in maritime logistics. The new carrier, specifically designed to transport CO₂, will be constructed at the Dutch shipyard Royal Niestern Sander, leveraging Wagenborg’s award-winning EasyMax design—a model known for its efficiency and safety in ocean transport.
This long-term partnership marks Wagenborg’s first dedicated CO₂ carrier, underscoring a step forward in carbon management and sustainability for both firms. The vessel, built to high safety standards and operational efficiency, will support CO₂ transport to Denmark’s Greensand project in the North Sea, a large-scale CCS initiative led by INEOS in collaboration with partners Harbour Energy and Nordsøfonden. With CO₂ capture and storage poised to play a major role in Europe’s climate strategy, this new carrier will be pivotal in advancing the region’s CCS infrastructure and its ability to reduce carbon emissions.
Royal Wagenborg has a well-established history in the maritime industry, known for its focus on innovation, reliability, and dedication to sustainable practices. Adding CO₂ transportation to its portfolio via the EasyMax design represents a groundbreaking expansion for the company, reflecting its adaptability to market needs and environmental demands. The EasyMax design, jointly developed by Wagenborg and Royal Niestern Sander, has already earned acclaim for its operational efficiency, safety, and reduced environmental impact. Deploying this design for CO₂ transport aligns with Wagenborg’s commitment to sustainable growth and marks another achievement in its century-long legacy of service to the shipping industry.
Egbert Vuursteen, CEO of Royal Wagenborg, expressed the deep significance of this collaboration, saying, “The North of the Netherlands, with Wagenborg at its helm, represents more than maritime excellence—it’s the lifeblood of our communities. Here, where European short sea shipping was born, collaboration drives innovation. Through INEOS and Wagenborg’s agreement, we’re not just advancing an industry—we’re charting a course toward a future where Dutch maritime expertise leads the way. This is our maritime legacy in action.”
Edwin de Vries, Director of Wagenborg Offshore, added, “Wagenborg has been a leading service provider to the offshore industry, demonstrating safe and efficient logistic solutions on the North Sea. The availability of in-house knowledge and experience of shipping, offshore, and shipbuilding has resulted in a variety of game-changing dedicated vessels. The agreement between INEOS and Wagenborg is a new and unique step in the establishment of safe and efficient logistics in the full value chain of CCS on a large scale.”
The CCS project represents not only a pivotal development in European carbon management but also a beacon of how maritime innovation can support global sustainability goals. With this collaboration, both INEOS and Wagenborg are set to make significant contributions to the CCS industry, laying the groundwork for future carbon transport solutions in the EU
