Bernard Schulte orders first CO2 tanker

Bernard Schulte has ordered its first CO₂ tanker at Dalian Shipbuilding Offshore (DSOC) with delivery due in 2026. The 130m-long gas carrier will have two cylindrical cargo tanks with a total capacity of 7,500m³.

The vessel will carry CO₂ at a maximum gauge pressure of 19 bar and minimum temperature of -35°C. It will have LNG dual-fuel propulsion, a wind-assisted rotor sail, air lubrication, and a carbon footprint 34% less than a comparable ship using conventional fuel. 

The ship is committed to a long-term charter agreement with Northern Lights and will support the development of the world’s first cross-border CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure.

Northern Lights, a joint venture owned by Shell, TotalEnergies and Equinor, has already ordered three CO₂ carriers. Two are under construction at DSOC and another ship was ordered in September.   

All four ships, built to the same design, will transport CO₂ from Northern Lights’ customers across north-west  Europe to the receiving terminal at Øygarden in Norway before permanent geological storage.

Bernard Schulte’s CEO, Ian Beveridge, said: “Ordering this vessel is an exciting step in the expansion of Bernhard Schulte’s fleet portfolio in an innovative future tanker segment. We are looking forward to becoming part of Northern Lights’ industry leading project to provide CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure. We are furthermore delighted to have Dalian Shipbuilding Offshore as our selected partner in this endeavour. The Schulte Group has longstanding relationships with Chinese shipyards, which is a strong foundation for this outstanding project.”

Børre Jacobsen, managing director of Northern Lights, commented: “This deal marks another major milestone for us. CCS is a safe and efficient way to handle emissions and it is critical to meet climate targets. We are excited to see Bernhard Schulte now entering the liquid CO₂ business, as strong partnerships are required to succeed. We have strong belief in the tripart collaboration between Northern Lights JV, DSOC and Bernhard Schulte.”