Chemical Industry News, Data & Insights

INEOS to Launch First European Offshore CO₂ Carrier on May 14

Key highlights
  • The CO₂ carrier is part of Project Greensand, aiming for full-scale CO₂ storage by late 2025/early 2026.
  • The project targets storing 400,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, with potential to scale up to 8 million tonnes by 2030.
  • The Final Investment Decision for the Nini Field storage operations was made in December 2024.
  • Expected investments in the Greensand CCS value chain exceed 1 billion DKK.

Project Overview

The completion of Europe's first offshore CO₂ carrier marks a significant step in advancing carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure. Built at Royal Niestern Sander shipyard in the Netherlands, the vessel is integral to Project Greensand's mission to establish the EU's first full-scale CCS value chain.

Technical Details

The vessel is designed to transport liquefied CO₂ from onshore capture sites to offshore storage in the Danish North Sea. It will operate between Port Esbjerg and the Nini West platform, injecting CO₂ into geological formations 1,800 meters beneath the seabed, which have been certified for safe and permanent storage.

Timeline and Investment

The Final Investment Decision for full-scale CO₂ storage operations in the Nini Field was made in December 2024. Project Greensand aims to begin regular offshore CO₂ injection by late 2025 or early 2026, initially targeting the storage of 400,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, with potential to scale up to 8 million tonnes by 2030. The project anticipates investments exceeding 1 billion DKK across the CCS value chain.

Construction Progress

Construction of the CO₂ carrier has progressed steadily, with key sections completed and assembled. The ship is designed to meet high safety and environmental standards, featuring onboard cooling and pressure systems. The next construction phase includes retrofitting, commissioning, testing, and sea trials.