Japanese shipping company Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (‘K’ Line) reports that the liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) carrier newbuild for the Northern Lights carbon capture and storage (CCS) project has been completed by Dalian Shipbuilding.
The vessel, named Northern Pioneer, will be engaged in the world’s first full-scale CCS value chain project, and managed by London-based ‘K’ Line LNG Shipping (UK). It will transport liquefied carbon dioxide from a CO2 capture facility in Norway to Northern Lights’ receiving terminal in Øygarden, western Norway.
‘K’ Line and Northern Lights have entered into bareboat charter contracts and time charter contracts for three of the four vessels ordered by Northern Lights, including this vessel. ‘K’ Line aims to leverage the insights gained from the liquefied CO2 transport project for the development of future business in the future, thus realising a sustainable society and enhancing corporate value.
Tim Heijn, MD Northern Lights said: “This is a great moment for Northern Lights and the CCS industry. Today we celebrate that the full transport and storage chain of Northern Lights CO2 is ready. Northern Pioneer and her sister ships will enable flexible and scalable CO2 transport across Europe.”
‘K’ Line President and CEO Yukikazu Myochin said: “We are delighted to have reached a significant milestone for the Northern Lights value chain, making the first step in our journey. With our extensive knowledge and experience in the operation of various liquefied gas carriers, the ‘K’ Line Group is determined to work together to contribute to Europe’s decarbonisation through safe and reliable liquefied CO2 transportation.”
Northern Pioneer is 130m long, with cargo tank capacity of 7,500 m3, stored at a pressure of 19 bar(g) and minimum temperature -35 °C. The vessel is fuelled by LNG, and equipped with a rotor sail and air lubrication.
Image: ‘Northern Pioneer’ (source: ‘K’ Line)
