Northern Lights: first LNG-powered LCO2 carrier ready for delivery

The first Northern Lights JV’s LNG-powered liquefied CO2 carrier is ready for delivery in China.

Northern Lights, the JV consisting of Equinor, Shell, and TotalEnergies, and Japan’s K Line announced this in separate statements.

On November 22, a ceremony was held at China’s Dalian Shipbuilding Industry (DSIC) to mark that the 7,500-cbm Northern Pioneer is ready for delivery to Northern Lights JV.

The partners claim this is the world’s first LNG dual-fuel LCO2 carrier.

In August, the vessel completed its sea trials running on diesel.

Earlier this year, DSIC launched this vessel and its sister ship Northern Pathfinder.

Northern Lights JV noted that its CO2 receiving facility in Øygarden, Norway, was completed in September and is now ready to receive CO2 from Norwegian and European industries.

Northern Pioneer and its sister ship will transport liquefied CO2 from capture sites in Europe to the receiving terminal.

Northern Lights: first LNG-powered LCO2 carrier ready for delivery
Image: Northern Lights

Four ships

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.

Most Popular

Wison scores Suriname FLNG gig

China’s Wison New Energies has signed a detailed feasibility study deal for a newbuild floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility in Suriname's offshore Block 52.

Eni: third phase of YPF’s Argentina LNG project requires $20 billion investment

The third phase of YPF's Argentina LNG export project would require an investment of about $20 billion, according to Eni’s COO of global natural resources, Guido Brusco.

Atlantic LNG shipping rates jump this week

Atlantic LNG freight shipping rates jumped this week, while European prices decreased compared to last week.

More News Like This

Norway’s Equinor shuts Hammerfest LNG plant for maintenance

Norwegian energy firm Equinor has closed its 4.3 mtpa Hammerfest liquefied natural gas (LNG) export plant for planned maintenance.

QatarEnergy LNG carrier named in China

China’s Hudong-Zhonghua hosted a naming ceremony for one 174,000-cbm liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier built as part of the massive QatarEnergy shipbuilding program.

Titan, K Line complete first LNG bunkering op under new term contract

Dutch LNG supplier Titan and Japan’s shipping giant K Line have completed the first LNG bunkering operation for K Line’s car carrier under a new contract.

K Line’s LNG carrier fleet to rise to 65 vessels by fiscal 2026, CEO says

Japan's shipping giant K Line is on track with its plans to have 65 liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers in its fleet by fiscal 2026, according to K Line's new CEO, Takenori Igarashi.