A ceremony was held at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry  to mark that the newly built liquefied CO2 carrier “NORTHERN PIONEER”  is ready for delivery to Northern Lights JV DA .

The Vessel, which is engaged in the world’s first full-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) value chain project, will be managed by “K” LINE LNG Shipping (UK) Ltd. based in London, the subsidiary of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE). It will transport liquefied CO2 from a CO2 capture facility in Norway to Northern Lights’ receiving terminal in Øygarden, western Norway.

“K” LINE and Northern Lights have entered into bareboat charter contracts and time charter contracts for three of the four vessels ordered by Northern Lights, including the Vessel.

In line with “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050, its long-term environmental policy, the “K” LINE group is actively promoting various initiatives aimed at supporting our own decarbonization efforts and those of society. “K” LINE aims to leverage the insights gained from our advanced liquefied CO2 transportation projects for the development of business in the future, thereby contributing to the realization of a sustainable society and enhancing corporate value.

“This is a great moment for Northern Lights and the CCS industry. Today we celebrate that the full transport and storage chain of Northern Lights CO2 is ready. Northern Pioneer and her sister ships will enable flexible and scalable CO2 transport across Europe.”said Tim Heijn, Managing Director of Northern Lights.

“We are delighted to have reached a significant milestone for the Northern Lights value chain, making the first step in our journey. With our extensive knowledge and experience in the operation of various liquefied gas carriers, the “K” LINE Group is determined to work together to contribute to Europe’s decarbonization through safe and reliable liquefied CO2 transportation.” said Yukikazu Myochin, President and CEO of “K” LINE.

Dimensions and Characteristics of the Vessel
•    Cargo Tank Capacity: 7,500 m3
•    Overall length: 130 m
•    Breadth: 21 m
•    Cargo transport conditions: maximum pressure of 19 bar(g) pressure and minimum temperature of -35 °C
•    Primary fuel: LNG
•    Low-carbon technologies: Wind-assisted rotor sail and air lubrication