Northern Lights CO2 Project: A Milestone in Carbon Capture and Storage
The Northern Lights CO2 project in Norway has reached a significant milestone with the completion of its vessel fleet for the initial phase of operations. The latest addition, the Northern Purpose, arrived from China, marking the arrival of the fourth liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) carrier required for the project. This momentous occasion underscores the advancements in carbon capture and storage technology and the collaborative efforts involved in tackling climate change.
The Arrival of the Northern Purpose
Built at Dalian Shipbuilding Offshore Co. in China, the Northern Purpose was specifically designed to transport liquefied CO2 as part of the world’s pioneering cross-border CO2 transport and storage infrastructure. Following its christening on May 19, the vessel embarked on its journey from Asia to Europe, arriving in Norway on July 29 to support upcoming customer operations.
Specifications and Eco-Friendly Features
The Northern Purpose spans 130 meters in length and is equipped with several innovative features aimed at reducing emissions. Notably, its LNG dual-fuel propulsion system allows for cleaner fuel consumption. Additionally, the vessel incorporates a wind-assisted rotor sail and an air lubrication system, which together contribute to lower CO2 emissions, enhancing the project’s environmental viability.
Completing the Fleet: A Trio of Sister Vessels
With the addition of the Northern Purpose, Northern Lights has successfully completed its fleet for Phase 1 operations. Three sister vessels—Northern Pioneer, Northern Pathfinder, and Northern Phoenix—were previously delivered, all sharing similar designs and cargo capacities of 7,500 m³ each, distributed across two cylindrical pressure tanks. This standardized fleet will effectively transport CO2 from various European emitters to Northern Lights’ CO2 receiving terminal located at Øygarden.
Significance of the Northern Lights Project
Northern Lights is a flagship initiative within Norway’s broader effort to develop carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. It is part of the Longship project, a full-scale government-backed CCS initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a significant way. The project is groundbreaking, designed to store CO2 volumes received from numerous sources across Europe permanently beneath the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
Early Operations and Future Outlook
In August 2025, the joint venture comprising major oil companies—Equinor, Shell, and TotalEnergies—initiated the project by injecting and storing the first volumes of CO2. This marked a defining moment, as it established Northern Lights as the first third-party CO2 transport and storage facility in the world.
As the project progresses into its first operational phase, Tim Heijn, Managing Director of Northern Lights JV, commented on the significance of the fleet’s completion: “With the arrival of Northern Purpose, we have completed the vessel fleet required for Phase 1 operations. This is an important milestone for Northern Lights to ensure reliable and flexible CO2 transport and storage services to our customers across Europe.”
Expansion and Future Vessels
Looking ahead, Northern Lights’ ambition doesn’t stop with the current fleet. In January, the project announced charter agreements with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and a consortium of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) and MISC for four additional CO2 carriers. This expansion indicates a commitment to bolstering the initiative and addressing the pressing need for effective carbon management solutions.
Conclusion
As the Northern Lights CO2 project continues to expand and evolve, it stands as a beacon of hope in the global fight against climate change. The project not only exemplifies technological innovation but also showcases the collaborative spirit required to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time. The successful operationalization of this infrastructure could pave the way for similar initiatives worldwide, making it a vital player on the global stage of sustainable development.