Dutch Shipowner Wagenborg and INEOS Energy Launch First European-Built Offshore CO2 Carrier
Dutch shipowner and operator Royal Wagenborg and London-based E&P business, INEOS Energy, have unveiled ‘the first’ European-built offshore CO2 carrier designed to facilitate carbon capture storage initiatives across Europe.
The inauguration and christening ceremony of the Carbon Destroyer 1 took place at the Royal Niestern Sander shipyard on May 14, 2025.
This milestone marks a significant advancement for Project Greensand and the deployment of carbon capture and storage solutions throughout the EU.
Specifically engineered for the secure and efficient transportation of liquefied CO₂, the newly introduced vessel is poised to play a pivotal role in the Greensand project situated in the Danish North Sea, spearheaded by INEOS Energy. The project’s primary objective is to store up to 400,000 tonnes of CO2 annually in its initial phase, with ambitions to escalate this capacity to 8 million tonnes per year by 2030.
The CO2 captured during the first phase of Greensand Future will undergo liquefaction at Danish biomethane production facilities, be conveyed to the Port of Esbjerg, and subsequently shipped by Royal Wagenborg to the Nini West reservoir for storage at a depth of 1,800 meters below the seabed.
The groundbreaking vessel, developed in close collaboration with energy and shipbuilding partners, is the inaugural vessel of its kind to be entirely constructed in Europe, tailored specifically for offshore CCS operations.
“This launch epitomizes a defining moment for Wagenborg, blending over a century of maritime expertise with a forward-thinking sustainability outlook. As the premier European-built offshore CO₂ carrier, this vessel positions us—and our collaborators—at the helm of the energy transition in Europe,” expressed Egbert Vuursteen, CEO of Royal Wagenborg.
“The unveiling of Carbon Destroyer 1 marks a significant progression for carbon capture and storage in Europe. It underscores that carbon sequestration is not only economically viable but also a superior method for decarbonizing Europe without compromising its industrial landscape,” stated Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman of INEOS.
Built on the EasyMax blueprint, a collaborative effort between Wagenborg and the shipyard, the vessel boasts a cargo capacity of approximately 5,000 tons of liquid CO2, adhering to the latest safety, fuel efficiency, and low emission standards.
Its design and DP2 capabilities ensure uninterrupted operation throughout the year under diverse offshore conditions, as affirmed by the shipping company.
“Carbon Destroyer 1 will transport captured CO2 from multiple European locations, establishing a virtual conduit connecting the capture points to permanent storage beneath the North Sea seabed. The introduction of the premier offshore CO2 carrier is a fundamental requirement for large-scale CCS deployment across the continent,” emphasized Mads Weng Gade, CEO of INEOS Energy Europe.
In a related development, Wagenborg recently introduced the enhanced EasyMax design. These upgraded 14,000 dwt general cargo vessels can operate using bio-MGO and are primed for alternative fuels like methanol, ammonia, and LNG.
The company also initiated the construction of six 150-meter-long EasyMax units at Royal Niestern Sander.