Dalian Shipbuilding Offshore (DSOC), currently constructing the first two, was contracted to deliver the third 130 m long, 7,500 m3 storage (two tanks) vessel.

The trio will run on liquefied natural gas, assisted by wind propulsion. The carriers will also feature the air lubrication technology.

Once operational, the ships will load captured and liquefied CO2 from industrial emitters and transport it to the Northern Lights receiving facilities in the Norwegian Øygarden. From here, the CO2 will be stored in onshore tanks before being transported through a pipeline to an offshore reservoir for permanent storage at 2,600 m under the seabed.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) operations of Northern Lights are on schedule to start in 2024.

"We are very pleased to announce that we are increasing our shipping capacity. Our shipping solution is scalable and provides the necessary flexibility to service industrial emitters across Europe. The award of a shipbuilding contract for a third ship is a response to an increasing demand for cross-border CO2 transport and storage," Børre Jacobsen, Managing Director of Northern Lights, commented.

Yingzhi Sun, Chairman of DSOC, said, "As the construction base for the world's largest and first dedicated CO2 ships for Northern Lights, DSOC is honoured to be the pioneer shipyard in the decarbonisation industry and to directly provide the CO2 shipping solutions for the increasing business of Northern Lights. Products in the clean and environmental protection industry have become our major strategy. As one of the most competitive offshore yards and the first yard to construct dedicated CO2 ships, we have the confidence and capability to deliver high-quality products to Northern Lights and build long-term strategic relationships in the future. DSOC will create more value for our clients through quality services and unremitting efforts."

Northern Lights is a shared liability joint venture between Equinor, Shell and TotalEnergies. The company is part of the Norwegian government-backed Longship, a CCS project initiated to increase the knowledge of CCS technologies that could be key in tackling climate challenges and help create a blueprint for international CO2 transportation and storage, likewise developing a global carbon trading market.

Photo: Northern Lights