Northern Lights JV has proudly announced the delivery of its second CO2 transport vessel, Northern Pathfinder, from Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co. (DSIC) in Dalian, China. This milestone strengthens the joint venture’s efforts to establish a robust, end-to-end carbon transport solution aimed at supporting Europe’s ambitious decarbonisation agenda.
Following in the wake of the Northern Pioneer, which entered service last month, Northern Pathfinder is set to transport liquefied CO2 captured from industrial sites across Europe to the Northern Lights receiving terminal located in Øygarden, Norway. This vessel is part of a quartet of custom-designed ships, each meticulously engineered for the efficient and safe transportation of CO2. Registered in Norway and operated under the management of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), these ships represent the cutting edge of green shipping technology.
On its journey from China to Norway, Northern Pathfinder will conduct testing and optimisation of its energy-saving devices, a step critical to refining its operational efficiency. This voyage will also serve as a proving ground for technologies that are expected to underpin the broader decarbonisation mission of the Northern Lights initiative.
Once in Norway, Northern Pathfinder will undergo mechanical commissioning at the Øygarden terminal and in Brevik, aligning with preparations for its first operational deployment. Notably, Heidelberg Materials, the project’s inaugural industrial client, will be among the first to benefit from the service, cementing a practical step forward in industrial carbon capture and storage (CCS).
Additionally, Northern Lights plans to conduct comprehensive interface training for ship and shore personnel. This preparation aims to ensure seamless integration of the fleet’s operations with the ground-based infrastructure, highlighting the initiative’s commitment to operational excellence and innovation.
The delivery of Northern Pathfinder is another building block in the creation of the world’s largest dedicated CO2 shipping fleet. It underlines Northern Lights’ pivotal role in establishing a reliable logistics value chain that bridges the gap between industrial emitters and long-term carbon storage solutions. By addressing the logistical challenges of CCS, the initiative demonstrates its resolve to accelerate Europe’s transition to a low-carbon future.
