Northern Lights Expands Fleet to Enhance CO₂ Transport Capabilities
In a significant milestone for the carbon capture and storage (CCS) sector, Northern Lights has announced long-term charter agreements for four new liquid CO₂ transport vessels. This expansion comes as demand for CCS services continues to rise across Europe, highlighting a pivotal moment in the shipping and environmental sustainability industries.
Charter Agreements and Partnerships
The recent agreements feature a strategic collaboration among energy giants, including Equinor, TotalEnergies, and Shell. Notably, one charter has been secured by a consortium of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (commonly known as “K” LINE) and MISC Berhad. A second vessel is expected to enter service by April 2026, further affirming the growing interest in CCS capabilities. The joint venture has also allocated two additional charters to Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL).
Enhanced Cargo Capacity
A standout feature of these new vessels is their impressive cargo capacity. Each of the first three ships will have a 12,000 cubic meter capacity, a substantial increase compared to the existing fleet’s 7,500 cubic meter capacity. This strategic enhancement will enable Northern Lights to transport larger volumes of liquefied CO₂, thereby significantly boosting operational efficiency.
The vessels will be constructed by esteemed shipbuilding entities Dalian Shipbuilding Offshore Co. (DSOC) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), ensuring high standards of quality and safety in their design and construction.
Deliveries and Future Plans
Delivery of these new vessels is anticipated between the second half of 2028 and the first half of 2029. This anticipated timeline supports Northern Lights’ ambitious goal of scaling its transport and storage capacity to over 5 million tonnes of CO₂ annually. This growth is crucial as Europe intensifies its focus on reducing carbon emissions and pushing for sustainable energy solutions.
Tim Heijn, the Managing Director of Northern Lights, expressed enthusiasm about the fleet expansion, stating, “We are pleased to significantly grow our transport capacity by adding vessels to our existing Northern Lights fleet.” Heij’s remarks underline the operational improvements that this growth will facilitate, enhancing flexibility and service delivery to customers.
Confidence in the CCS Market
The decision to expand the fleet also highlights increasing confidence in the emerging CCS shipping market. Heijn noted the pioneering nature of this initiative, stating, “Together we are pioneers in building the first dedicated CO₂ shipping fleet.” This foundation not only benefits Northern Lights and its partners but also strengthens the overall CCS industry, providing a model for future initiatives.
Background on Operations
Northern Lights kicked off its operations in late 2024, beginning with the delivery of three sister vessels: Northern Pioneer, Northern Pathfinder, and Northern Phoenix. A fourth identical vessel, operated by Bernhard Schulte, is set for delivery in 2026. This initial fleet laid the groundwork for the company’s ambitious vision of enhancing carbon capture endeavors.
The organization achieved a crucial operational milestone in August 2025, when it injected its first volumes of liquefied CO₂ into permanent offshore storage. This process involves transporting captured CO₂ to an onshore terminal located in western Norway, where it is subsequently piped to a subsea reservoir situated approximately 2,600 meters beneath the seabed.
Collaborations with Key Industry Players
Northern Lights has also forged significant partnerships, securing commercial agreements with major companies across Europe. Noteworthy collaborators include Heidelberg Materials and Hafslund Celsio in Norway, as well as Yara in the Netherlands, Ørsted in Denmark, and Stockholm Exergi in Sweden. These collaborations underline the broadening acceptance and need for innovative CCS solutions throughout the continent.
As Northern Lights continues to enhance its fleet and infrastructure, the future of carbon transport appears promising. This expansion embodies a critical step in the transition towards sustainable environmental practices, capturing the essence of modern maritime logistics aligned with global sustainability efforts.