CO2 Shipping – Design, safety, and regulatory considerations for an emerging fleet

As the urgency for global decarbonization intensifies, carbon capture and storage (CCS) is emerging as a cornerstone of climate strategy and is poised for rapid expansion. An estimated 210 million tonnes per annum of CO₂ will be captured by 2030, with even steeper growth anticipated through 2040 and 2050. This surge must be matched by a corresponding scale-up in the CO₂ carrier fleet.

CO₂ shipping offers a flexible, long-range solution for transporting captured carbon across seas, playing a pivotal role in the global CO₂ value chain. It enables delivery to final storage sites or reuse in industrial processes, bridging geographic gaps in CCS infrastructure.

However, this value chain remains in its early stages. The coming years will demand the construction of larger, cost-efficient, purpose-built vessels, alongside the development of supporting maritime infrastructure, including floating terminals and offshore units, to enable scalable, efficient CO₂ transport.

This paper explores the key considerations in the design, construction, and operation of CO₂ carriers and maritime CCS infrastructure, as well as wider regulatory and market elements, drawing on DNV’s extensive experience in CO₂ shipping, maritime CCS systems, and broader CCUS initiatives.

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