Höegh Evi And Aker BP Receive DNV Approval In Principle For Next-Generation CO₂ Carrier

Höegh Evi and Aker BP have been awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) from DNV for a next-generation liquefied CO_₂ (LCO_₂) carrier. The vessel, developed in Norway by Höegh Evi, Aker BP and Moss Maritime, is designed to transport captured CO_₂ safely and cost-efficiently from European industrial emitters to offshore sequestration sites on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS).

Pioneering a new class for CO_₂ shipping
DNV’s Approval in Principle includes a comprehensive assessment of the vessel’s design, including its onboard CO_₂ conditioning module. It is the first to be reviewed under DNV’s new CO₂ RECOND class notation, developed specifically for CO_₂ handling and conditioning.

The approval marks a significant step in enabling the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) value chain and industrial decarbonization in Europe.

“This designation from DNV affirms the strength of our technical solution, which is key to realizing Höegh Evi and Aker BP’s unique CCS offering. Together, we can deliver a cost-efficient path to decarbonization, by connecting large-scale carbon emitters to permanent storage offshore,” said Nils Jakob Hasle, EVP Clean Energy at Höegh Evi.

Aker BP’s engagement in CCS:

• Aker BP is evaluating opportunities for CO_₂ storage on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) primarily as a potential new growth opportunity, but also as a mean to support Europe’s decarbonization efforts.

• Aker BP is currently the operator on two CCS licenses (Atlas and Poseidon) and a partner on a third on the NCS.
• In 2023, Aker BP and Høegh EVI entered into a collaboration agreement to provide the marine CO_₂ infrastructure required to collect, aggregate, and transport CO_₂ from emitters on the European continent to the NCS.

“We are excited to leverage Aker BP’s extensive upstream expertise to mature and develop CO_₂ storage solutions on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. We appreciate the integrated and collaborative efforts with Höegh Evi in the development of the CCS value chain. This innovative design with designation from DNV is expected to set new benchmarks in safe, cost-efficient, and sustainable large-scale CO_₂ transportation and storage,” said Ørjan Jentoft, Asset Manager for CCS at Aker BP.

”DNV is pleased to collaborate with such a strong consortium of partners to help bring this large-scale CCS project closer to realization. This AIP demonstrates how maritime regulations with DNVs new class rules can support the development of safe and cost-efficient solutions for CO₂ transportation and offshore injection – an essential step toward building cost-effective CCS value chains,” said Christina Saenz de Santa Maria, COO at DNV Maritime.

Part of an integrated solution for CO_₂ transport and storage
The next-generation liquefied CO_₂ (LCO_₂) carrier is a key part of a fully integrated carbon removal option for both large and dispersed EU emitters. By integrating CO_₂ conditioning and offloading capabilities directly into the shuttle carriers, the design minimizes complexity, reduces risk of impurity co-mingling and ensures reliable injection into offshore reservoirs. Two approved variants of CO_₂ vessels will offer total capacities of up to 50,000 m³ of liquid CO_₂.

Höegh Evi and Aker BP’s CCS solution can be applied for the Aker BP-operated CO_₂ storage licenses on the NCS, EXL 005 Poseidon and EXL 011 Atlas. While initially sized to handle up to 10 million tonnes of CO_₂ per annum, it may be scaled to accommodate growing market demand.

About Aker BP
Aker BP is a company engaged in exploration, field development and production of oil and gas on the Norwegian continental shelf. The company operates the field centres Valhall, Ula, Edvard Grieg/Ivar Aasen, Alvheim and Skarv, and is a partner in the Johan Sverdrup field.

Measured in production, Aker BP is one of the largest independent oil companies in Europe.