Europe’s first CCS value chain becomes reality: ‘Carbon Destroyer 1’ takes centre stage in Esbjerg
Today, Europe reached a major milestone in its energy transition with the inauguration of the EU’s first fully integrated carbon capture, transportation and storage (CCS) value chain: Project Greensand. At the centre of this achievement is ‘Carbon Destroyer 1’, the first European-built offshore CO₂ carrier developed by Royal Wagenborg and built at our shipyard. This vessel completes what has long been the missing link in the CCS value chain. The milestone was celebrated at the Port of Esbjerg during the ‘First Carbon Chain’ event, attended by industry leaders, policymakers and His Majesty King Frederik X of Denmark.
For years, carbon capture and storage has depended on the successful integration of three critical elements: capturing CO₂, transporting it safely, and permanently storing it underground. While carbon capture and offshore storage technologies were already available, large-scale maritime transport remained the essential missing connection. Carbon Destroyer 1 now bridges that gap, transporting liquid CO₂ from the terminal in Esbjerg to the offshore storage reservoir in the Danish North Sea. Serving as the link between industrial emitters and permanent offshore storage, the vessel forms the backbone of Project Greensand and makes Europe’s first closed CCS chain operational.
Milestones
Today’s event marks the highlight of a journey that has included several significant milestones. In 2024, Royal Wagenborg and INEOS Energy signed a long-term agreement for the construction and operation of the vessel in the presence of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HM King Frederik of Denmark. Earlier this year, Carbon Destroyer 1 was christened at the Royal Niestern Sander shipyard by Lady Catherine Ratcliffe, partner of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman of INEOS, followed by successful sea trials and its departure for Esbjerg ahead of commercial operations.
Maritime innovation from the North of the Netherlands
Developed and built in the Northern Netherlands through close cooperation between Royal Niestern Sander, Royal Wagenborg, INEOS Energy and numerous local maritime partners, Carbon Destroyer 1 represents an entirely new vessel category. Based on Wagenborg’s proven EasyMax platform, designed for maximum cargo intake, flexibility and fuel efficiency, the ship was transformed into Europe’s first offshore DP2 CO₂ carrier, purpose-built for the safe transportation and offshore injection of liquid CO₂. The vessel has a cargo capacity of more than 5,000 tonnes of liquid CO₂ and can transport approximately 600,000 tonnes annually, making industrial-scale carbon storage possible.
Carbon Destroyer 1 demonstrates what the maritime industry can contribute to the energy transition. This is not simply a new vessel; it is an entirely new ship type developed for a completely new market. From concept and design to construction and operation, this project shows how maritime innovation can help solve some of Europe’s most complex climate challenges.
Edwin de Vries, Managing director Wagenborg Shipping/Offshore
Carbon Destroyer 1 as blueprint for the future
As Europe seeks practical solutions to decarbonise hard-to-abate industries while maintaining industrial competitiveness, the launch of this first complete carbon chain demonstrates that CCS is no longer a future concept. With Carbon Destroyer 1 now in operation, Europe’s first closed carbon value chain is complete and ready to scale, providing a blueprint for future CCS projects across the continent. The vessel was designed as a scalable concept and is presented as a blueprint for a future generation of CO₂ carriers supporting the growth of CCS in Europe.
