World’s first liquified CO2 carrier delivered by China

World’s first liquified CO2 carrier delivered by China by the name Northern Pioneer marking a milestone in global carbon management.

The world’s first commercial liquefied carbon dioxide (CO2) carrier, designed and built by a Chinese shipbuilding company, was delivered to its international client on Friday in Dalian City, located in northeast China’s Liaoning Province.

Named Northern Pioneer, the carrier was constructed by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd., part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation. The ship is approximately 130 meters long and 21.2 meters wide, with a capacity to transport 7,500 cubic meters of liquefied CO2.

The vessel is powered by dual-fuel liquefied natural gas technology and complies with the highest global energy efficiency standards, making it an environmentally friendly, safe, and efficient ship with cutting-edge international features.

Gai Yong, project manager at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd., explained that the ship is a world first, utilizing a newly developed steel material for its cargo tanks and a completely new liquefied cargo system design.

Gai also noted that the vessel incorporates multiple energy-saving and environmentally friendly features, which increased the complexity of its construction, setting new standards in the carbon transport sector.

Following its delivery, the Northern Pioneer will be used in Norway’s large-scale commercial liquefied CO2 seabed storage project, where it will transport CO2 emissions from European industries to a terminal on Norway’s west coast for processing and permanent storage 2,600 meters beneath the seabed.

As the first ship dedicated to marine carbon transport and storage, Northern Pioneer will be instrumental in developing global solutions for managing land-based CO2 emissions.

Peng Guisheng, head of marketing at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd., stated that the ship’s delivery showcases China’s readiness to provide transport, storage, and sequestration equipment for marine carbon storage, positioning the country for the emerging market in this field.