The first of two Northern Lights JV’s LNG-powered liquefied CO2 carriers is undergoing trials in China ahead of its deployment in Europe later this year.
According to a statement by China’s Dalian Shipbuilding Industry (DSIC), the 7,500-cbm Northern Pioneer has completed its sea trials running on diesel on August 28.
DSIC says this is this world’s first LNG dual-fuel LCO2 carrier.
Earlier this year, the shipbuilder launched this vessel and its sister ship Northern Pathfinder.
A spokesperson for Northern Lights previously told LNG Prime that the “first two ship contracts were awarded to DSIC but they are built by DSOC as a contractor.”
The joint venture consisting of Equinor, Shell, and TotalEnergies expects to welcome the two vessels to Norway later this year.
Japan’s shipping giant K Line entered in February into a charter contract with the JV for a third LNG-powered liquefied CO2 vessel.
This follows the formerly signed contracts for managing the first two LCO2 ships in Northern Lights’ four ship fleet.
In December 2023, Northern Lights also signed a charter deal with Bernhard Schulte for a new LNG-powered CO2 carrier. The ship will be the fourth in line to the sister ships.
The JV expects to take delivery of the third vessel in 2025, while the fourth will be delivered in 2026.
All of the vessels will have LNG dual-fuel propulsion and two type C LCO2 tanks, claimed to be the first such tanks in the world.
Besides LNG power, the 130 meters long vessels feature a wind-assisted propulsion system and air lubrication in order to reduce carbon intensity.