China Launches World’s First LNG-Powered Liquified CO2 Transport Ships For Northern Lights Project

Northern Lights commemorated the milestone of launching the first of its kind vessels and successfully transferring them to the harbour from the dry dock ahead of an anticipated delivery later in the year.

The construction of the first-of-their-type vessels started in November 2022 at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co. (DSIC) in China.

Earlier in the year, the first two vessels were installed with custom-built 7,500 cubic-meter cargo tanks designed to transport liquefied CO2.

The vessels, which will use LNG-powered propulsion, wind-assisted technology, and air lubrication, will most likely have a 34% lower carbon footprint than regular ships that run on marine gasoline.

Once executed, the liquid CO2 carriers are going to embark on a mission to load the liquefied and captured CO2 from the industrial emitters and transport it to Northern Lights receiving facilities based in Norway’s Øygarden, wherefrom the CO2 is going to be inserted into the offshore reservoir for permanent storage.

Four vessels will be delivered cumulatively to Northern Lights JV, making it the world’s largest and most dedicated CO2 shipping fleet owner.

Video Credits: Northern Lights JV/LinkedIn

Japan’s K Line has signed bareboat charter and time charter deals with Northern Lights JV DA to manage three CO2 vessels.

The management services for the vessels will be carried out by the firm’s London-based major K Line LNG Shipping (UK) Ltd.

The Northern Lights scheme is a part of Norway’s endeavours to create a full-scale carbon capture and storage (abbreviated CCS) value chain.

It reportedly comprises developing a receiving terminal, underwater infrastructure (subs installations, pipelines, and wells), onshore facilities, and intermediate storage tanks.

Phase 1, which can inject up to 1.5 million tons of CO2 a year, is also scheduled to be prepared for operations in 2024.

A binding commercial pact was also signed with Yara International to facilitate the first cross-border storage and transportation of CO2.

Reference: Offshore Energy

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