Wagenborg and INEOS Launch First European-Built Offshore CO₂ Carrier for CCS

Royal Wagenborg and INEOS Energy have officially launched and christened the Carbon Destroyer 1, the first offshore CO₂ carrier built entirely in Europe for carbon capture and storage (CCS) operations. The vessel is set to play a key role in Project Greensand, which focuses on CO₂ storage in the Danish North Sea.

The ceremony took place at the Royal Niestern Sander shipyard in the Netherlands, with Lady Catherine Ratcliffe performing the traditional christening as the vessel’s godmother. The event marks a significant step forward in European CCS infrastructure, reflecting the growing collaboration between the maritime and energy sectors.

Purpose-Built for CCS Operations

Developed in partnership with stakeholders across the energy and shipbuilding industries, the Carbon Destroyer 1 is designed specifically for the safe and efficient transportation of liquefied CO₂. With a cargo capacity of around 5,000 tonnes, the vessel is based on Wagenborg’s EasyMax design and features DP2 dynamic positioning capabilities. These specifications enable the ship to operate reliably in offshore environments throughout the year.

The vessel is expected to transport CO₂ captured from various industrial sites across Europe to storage locations under the seabed of the North Sea, effectively acting as a mobile pipeline.

Strategic Role in Europe’s Energy Transition

Egbert Vuursteen, CEO of Royal Wagenborg, noted that the ship represents the company’s effort to apply its maritime experience to sustainability-focused initiatives. Mads Weng Gade, CEO of INEOS Energy Europe, emphasised the vessel’s strategic importance in enabling the logistics required for scalable CCS deployment.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman of INEOS, stated that the Carbon Destroyer 1 illustrates that carbon storage is both commercially feasible and a viable path to reducing emissions while maintaining industrial activity in Europe.

Support from Northern Netherlands Maritime Cluster

The project also underscores the significance of the maritime ecosystem in the Northern Netherlands. Edwin de Vries, Director at Wagenborg Offshore, highlighted the role of regional shipbuilding expertise and supply chain cooperation in delivering a vessel that meets high standards for safety, emissions, and fuel efficiency.

With CCS gaining traction as a necessary component of Europe’s decarbonisation strategy, the introduction of this dedicated CO₂ carrier marks a functional step in establishing the infrastructure needed for long-term carbon management.