Wagenborg: ‘World’s first’ CO2 carrier reaches major construction milestone

Dutch shipowner and operator Royal Wagenborg has shared a major milestone in the construction of what is described as “the world’s first CO2 carrier”.

Recently, the bridge deck was installed at the local shipyard Royal Niestern Sander, the shipowner revealed. The installation of the bridge deck is said to be ‘a critical phase’ in the construction process, involving precision engineering and collaboration.

“This milestone brings us closer to delivering a vessel that will set new standards in the maritime industry,” the Dutch shipping company highlighted.

In November last year, Royal Wagenborg and INEOS Energy, London-based E&P business, signed a multi-year agreement for the vessel. INEOS Energy committed to buy the CO2 carrier newbuild which is based on the Wagenborg’s EasyMax design.

The ‘innovative’ vessel is expected to play a key role in reducing carbon emissions by enabling the safe and efficient transportation of CO2, according to project partners.

“With its state-of-the-art design, the EasyMax CO2 carrier demonstrates our commitment to sustainable shipping and technological innovation,” Wagenborg said.

The sustainable EasyMax design, developed by Royal Wagenborg and Royal Niestern Sander, features a load capacity of 14,300 dwt and very low fuel consumption.

Planned for delivery in 2026, the vessel will facilitate large-scale transport of CO2 to the Greensand storage site in the Danish North Sea, led by INEOS in partnership with Harbour Energy and Nordsøfonden.

“The agreement between INEOS and Wagenborg is a new and unique step in the establishment of safe and efficient logistics in the full value chain of CCS on a large scale,” Edwin de Vries, Director of Wagenborg Offshore, emphasized.