Northern Lights’ first LNG-fueled LCO2 carrier wraps up sea trials

The first LNG-powered, wind-assisted LCO2 carrier, being built for Northern Lights, a joint venture (JV) of energy majors Shell, Equinor, and TotalEnergies, has completed its sea trials, China’s Dalian Shipbuilding said.

Northern Lights has commissioned the development of a total of three dedicated LCO2 ships, combining LNG-powered propulsion with wind-assisted technology and air lubrication.

The fabrication of the first and the second ship started in November 2022, with the first steel cut ceremony, while the keel laying ceremony took place in April last year.

The vessels’ key features include pressurized cargo tanks designed for the transportation of liquefied CO2, contributing to a reduced carbon intensity compared to conventional alternatives.

The first two sister ships, boasting a cargo capacity of 7,500 cubic meters, are on track to set sail in 2024.

The LCO2 carriers were independently designed and built by Dalian Shipyard. According to the shipbuilder, they come equipped with two full-pressure C-type liquid cargo tanks made of special materials, which can withstand low temperatures of -35°C and transport a total of 7,500 cubic meters of liquid carbon dioxide.

The ships’ sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emission levels can meet the most advanced energy efficiency design index requirements, Dalian noted.

These sea trials included key performance tests such as the main engine navigation test according to the established tasks. The main performance indicators all reached or exceeded the expected targets, it was highlighted.

Meanwhile, the Chinese shipyard held a steel cutting for the third ship in this series. The ceremony took place in June this year.

Once delivered, the ships will load captured and liquefied CO₂ from industrial emitters and transport it to the Northern Lights receiving facilities in Øygarden, Norway.

From here, the CO2 will be intermediately stored in onshore tanks before being transported through a pipeline to an offshore reservoir for permanent and safe storage at a 2,600-meter depth under the seabed. Operations are scheduled to start in 2024.