Doubling Down on Carbon Transport
What was once a groundbreaking partnership between Equinor, Shell, and TotalEnergies has evolved into Northern Lights, a progressive commercial carbon transport and storage company. It recently announced the contract order for its third dedicated CO2 transport ship, even while work continues on its first two. The decision for a third vessel underlines the burgeoning demand for cross-border CO2 transport and storage.
Catering to Europe’s Carbon Emitters
Under its robust business plan, Northern Lights commits to serving industrial carbon emitters not only in Norway but also across Europe. The firm envisages being the first to offer commercial services transporting captured CO2 from emission points. Sources incorporate the Norcem Brevik and Hafslund Oslo Celsio carbon capture facilities.
Long Journey of Liquid Carbon
The company will convey the liquified CO2 to its onshore reception terminal in Øygarden, nestled in the heart of western Norway. Using technologically advanced pipelines, the CO2 will be moved to a permanent, secure storage reservoir beyond a mile and a half beneath the seabed in the North Sea.
Milestones Achieved and Anticipated
Close to three months back, Northern Lights celebrated a significant milestone with the successful installation of all 12 CO2 storage tanks at the Øygarden facility. With heights exceeding 100 feet, each tank has a staggering capacity to store nearly 700 tonnes of CO2. The company is currently on track to commence operations in 2024.
Heavy-duty CO2 Transport Vessels
The construction of the first two dedicated CO2 transport ships kicked off in November 2022 at the Dalian Shipbuilding Offshore Co. shipyard in Dalian, China. These vessels, stretching over 426 feet, have specially fabricated pressurized tanks designed to transport liquid CO2 under precise conditions. Both ships will feature cutting-edge, wind-assisted propulsion and an air lubrication system for heightened fuel efficiency.
On Board Operations and Future Prospects
“K” Line LNG Shipping Ltd, a London-based branch of Japan’s Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd, has consented to manage the vessels for Northern Lights. The two inaugural ships, which carry the DNV classification and fly under the Norwegian flag, are planned for delivery in 2024. The third ship, sharing the same specifications, has not been assigned a delivery date yet.
