Revolutionising CO2 Transportation: Northern Pioneer and TGE Marine’s role in a Historic First
In the advancing landscape of a world for sustainable energy and carbon capture, the Northern Pioneer is a CO2 Tanker that is leading the way. This LCO2 gas carrier is the first of its kind which has been specifically designed for LCO2 transportation. Built by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co. Ltd. (DSIC) in China and owned by Northern Lights. The vessel marks a significant milestone in the future of carbon capture, storage, and transport.
TGE Marine’s Cargo Handling System
TGE Marine’s involvement in this project is noteworthy. For the first time, the company has engineered a cargo handling system (CHS) that is specifically designed for the marine transport and storage of CO2 in liquid form, for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects. The system is crucial for the safe and efficient loading, unloading, and transfer of CO2.
The system is able to handle the challenging conditions associated with CO2 transport. The CHS is designed to ensure the permanent unloading and tank storage of CO2 under strict temperature and pressure constraints. The vessel has a respectable capacity size at 7500 m3 consisting of two 3750 m3 tanks for the transportation of CO2. The system is a controlled system with regards to temperature and pressure and operating within a range of 11-18 bar and temperatures as low as -35°C. This technology, paired with a highly sophisticated control system, prevents the formation of dry ice - an occurrence that could compromise the integrity of the cargo system.
The Northern Pioneer: Key Specifications
The Northern Pioneer is a state-of-the-art vessel, designed with a capacity to carry up to 7500 m³ of CO2 in liquid form. This capacity, along with its specialized cargo handling system, ensures it is capable of safely transporting large volumes of LCO2.
The vessel is designed not only for CO2 but also adaptable for LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) transportation, showcasing its versatility and adaptability. This makes it a multi-purpose asset for Northern Lights and an essential part of their ambitious efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and facilitate long-term storage.
The impressive vessel is 130 m in length and 21 m wide and although it is primarily fuelled by LNG, it also has wind-assisted rotor sails and air lubrication.
A Vision for the Future
The Northern Pioneer is the first of several purposefully built vessels for the transport of CO2, with three more vessels already in the order book with TGE Marine’s systems on board. This highlights the growing demand for reliable, efficient, and safe transportation systems for CO2 as part of global efforts to combat climate change.
“The system installed on Northern Pioneer represents a milestone in both TGE Marine’s technical achievements and the wider field of carbon capture and storage. By combining innovative engineering, sustainable solutions, and forward-thinking vision, TGE Marine is not only addressing the urgent challenges of CO2 transportation but also playing a vital role in the global transition to a low-carbon future.”, states Florian Krauss, a Design Engineer who has worked on this project from its inception.
TGE Marine has been working in the CO2 field since 2009 and with the knowledge gained in the last 15 years, they are able to advise clients on the terminal side of the CCS projects. The objective is always to ensure that all participating organisations consider the safety of all parties involved to ensure that the interfaces between terminals and vessels work to ensure a well-functioning system and potentially create cost saving opportunities.
With this groundbreaking vessel leading the charge, the future of CO2 transport and storage looks promising, marking a key step toward mitigating climate change and ensuring a sustainable planet for future generations.