'Ship of the Year' nomination recognizes the innovative nature of CARBON DESTROYER 1
The CARBON DESTROYER 1 was among the nominees for the 2026 Ship of the Year Award. The prestigious maritime prize was presented during the Maritime Gala on Monday, November 2. Although the award did not go to Koninklijke Niestern Sander, the nomination serves as a special recognition of a unique shipbuilding project and the collaboration between all the parties that made the CARBON DESTROYER 1 possible.
New type of vessel for a new CO₂ supply chain
The CARBON DESTROYER 1 was developed and built by Koninklijke Niestern Sander, in close collaboration with Koninklijke Wagenborg, INEOS Energy, and a large number of partners from the maritime cluster. Developed for Project Greensand, the vessel serves as a vital link in the emerging European value chain for the capture, transport, and permanent storage of CO₂.
What makes the CARBON DESTROYER 1 unique is, above all, its combination of functions. Based on the proven EasyMax platform, an entirely new type of vessel was developed: an offshore DP2 CO₂ carrier capable of transporting liquid CO₂ and offloading it in offshore conditions for permanent storage beneath the seabed. To achieve this, the vessel is equipped with features including eight specially designed CO₂ tanks, a DP2 (Dynamic Positioning) system, and integrated installations for cargo handling, power supply, positioning, and safety.
The innovation lies not in any single system, but rather in their integration. Design, engineering, and construction took place largely in parallel—a complex process, given that no existing precedents existed for several of the technical and operational challenges involved. This necessitated intensive collaboration between the shipyard, the shipowner, the client, the classification society, the Dutch flag authority, and numerous specialized co-makers and suppliers.
With an annual transport capacity of approximately 600,000 tonnes of CO₂, the CARBON DESTROYER 1 acts as a key logistical link within Project Greensand. At the same time, its design paves the way for future CO₂ carriers, thereby opening up a new maritime market.
Recognition for craftsmanship and collaboration
“This nomination is, above all, a recognition of the people who worked together to make this ship a reality,” says Fokke Jan Botke, Managing Director of Koninklijke Niestern Sander. “We built a vessel with hardly any existing precedents—a project where technology, regulations, and construction were all being developed simultaneously. That requires craftsmanship, trust, and a great deal of collaboration. The fact that the CARBON DESTROYER 1 has been nominated as ‘Ship of the Year’ makes us incredibly proud.”
The ‘Ship of the Year’ nomination highlights both the innovative nature of the CARBON DESTROYER 1 and the strength of the Dutch maritime manufacturing industry—specifically that of the Northern Netherlands. From design and engineering to construction and system integration, this vessel demonstrates what can be achieved when specialized expertise and practical craftsmanship come together.
It is a ship built for one specific project, yet it paves the way toward an entirely new market.
