Höegh Evi and Aker BP's Next-Generation CO₂ Carrier
In a significant advancement for the maritime industry, Höegh Evi and Aker BP have been granted an Approval in Principle (AiP) from DNV for their innovative liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO₂) carrier. This new vessel, developed in Norway, aims to transport captured CO₂ from industrial emitters in Europe to designated offshore storage sites along the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS).
Overview of the Project
With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, the LCO₂ carrier is part of a larger initiative to enhance carbon capture and storage (CCS) capabilities across Europe. By providing a secure and cost-effective means of transporting CO₂, the project is aligned with global efforts to mitigate climate change and reduce emissions from industrial activities.
DNV's AiP reflects a thorough evaluation of the vessel's design, including a sophisticated onboard CO₂ conditioning module. This vessel marks an important milestone as it is the first to be reviewed under DNV's newly established CO2 RECOND class notation, specifically tailored for CO₂ handling processes.
Significance of the Approval
Nils Jakob Hasle, the Executive Vice President of Clean Energy at Höegh Evi, expressed that this approval underscores the robustness of their technical solution which plays a pivotal role in achieving a decarbonized future. He emphasized that the partnership with Aker BP enables them to create an affordable avenue for connecting large-scale carbon emitters with permanent offshore storage solutions.
Ørjan Jentoft, Asset Manager for CCS at Aker BP, added to this sentiment, conveying their excitement to utilize Aker BP's profound experience in upstream operations to evolve CO₂ storage frameworks within the NCS.
Designing a Sustainable Future
The design of the LCO₂ carrier incorporates features that minimize complexity and risk associated with transporting CO₂. The integration of conditioning and offloading capabilities directly into the shuttle carriers allows for reliable offshore injection, thus ensuring the integrity and purity of transported CO₂. There are two approved variants of these vessels, each with a capacity of up to 50,000 m³ for LCO₂.
This innovative CCS solution is primed for use in specific Aker BP-operated CO₂ storage licenses on the NCS, namely EXL 005 Poseidon and EXL 011 Atlas. Initially, the system can handle an annual volume of up to 10 million tonnes of CO₂, with provisions to scale as demand increases.
Supporting a Larger Initiative
This project is not merely a breakthrough for Höegh Evi and Aker BP; it signifies a collective step toward fostering an extensive CCS ecosystem in Europe. By facilitating safe and economical solutions for CO₂ transportation and offshore reservoir injection, DNV reiterates its commitment to strengthening maritime standards that support climate actions.
In conclusion, the initiative by Höegh Evi and Aker BP reflects a collaborative commitment to pioneering efforts in carbon management and climate action. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and expert industry knowledge, they are not only advancing their operational capabilities but also contributing significantly to global sustainability objectives.
For more information, queries may be directed to:
- - Christine Corkery Steinsholt, VP External Communications, Höegh Evi, +47 95 09 54 81
- - Ole-Johan Faret, Press spokesperson, Aker BP, +47 40 22 42 17