The Delivery of Northern Pathfinder: A Milestone for CO2 Transport

Northern Pathfinder, the second LNG-powered liquid CO2 (LCO2) transport ship destined to serve the groundbreaking cross-border CO2 transport and storage facility, has been successfully delivered to Northern Lights. This joint venture, formed by energy giants Shell, Equinor, and TotalEnergies, unveiled the arrival of the 7,500 cubic meter vessel on December 27, 2024. Constructed at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co. (DSIC) in China, the 130-meter-long Northern Pathfinder is a pivotal addition to the evolving landscape of sustainable transport solutions.

Revolutionizing CO2 Transport

As part of a series of four custom-designed sister ships dedicated to CO2 transport, Northern Pathfinder is set to join the largest fleet of its kind globally. Registered in Norway and managed by Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K LINE), this vessel represents a significant advancement in eco-friendly maritime operations.

Following the delivery of the first LCO2 carrier, Northern Pioneer, in November of the same year, the newbuilds are poised to play a vital role in the safe transportation of liquefied CO2 from industrial capture sites in Europe to the Northern Lights receiving terminal in Øygarden, Norway.

Sustainable Shipping Practices

Setting a new standard in environmental stewardship, the LCO2 carriers are powered by LNG and feature Norsepower’s wind-assisted propulsion system along with air lubrication technology. This innovative combination is projected to reduce the ships’ carbon footprint by approximately 34% compared to conventional marine fuel-powered vessels, as highlighted by the Northern Lights JV.

As part of their journey to Norway, Northern Pathfinder and Northern Pioneer will undergo testing and optimization of their efficiency-saving devices. Upon arrival, the ships will commence mechanical commissioning activities at the receiving terminal in Øygarden and in Brevik, further solidifying their role in facilitating sustainable CO2 transport.

Driving the Longship Project Forward

Northern Lights serves as the transport and storage arm of Norway’s Longship project, a monumental initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions through CO2 capture and storage. The project’s official launch ceremony on September 26 marked a significant milestone for the facility, signaling its readiness to receive and store CO2.

With a comprehensive infrastructure comprising a receiving terminal, underwater installations, storage tanks, and onshore facilities, the Longship project is set to revolutionize the transportation and storage of CO2. A strategic commercial agreement with Yara International further solidifies the project’s commitment to pioneering cross-border CO2 transportation and storage on a global scale.

Future Expansion and Sustainability Goals

Phase 1 of the Longship project, with a capacity to inject up to 1.5 million tons of CO2 annually, is fully committed. Looking ahead, the joint venture partners are exploring avenues to expand the transport and storage capacity to accommodate future demands and uphold their sustainability goals.