Global energy consultancy Xodus, a Subsea7 company, has released the CCUS Enabling Infrastructure Study, examining the ports, ships, and onshore transport needed to move captured CO2 from emitters across Europe to offshore storage sites. The report was completed on behalf of the Net-Zero Technology Center (NZTC) and with the support of sponsors EBN, Port of Rotterdam, Gasunie, and Offshore Energies UK.
The report found that for Europe to be able to capture and store carbon at scale it will need a dedicated fleet of around 65 CO2 carriers and 33 ports by 2050. Researchers reached this conclusion by narrowing approximately 850 operating ports across Europe to about 200, and identifying up to 60 that are particularly well positioned to aggregate captured emissions and route them to offshore geological storage by 2050.
As captured CO2 emissions in Europe are projected to rise significantly from 70 mtpa in 2030 to 320 mpta by 2050, the report further concluded that the total volume of CO2 transported by ship will still more than double, reaching 79 mtpa by 2050.
“Shipping gives emitters early access to offshore storage years before onshore pipeline networks can be consented and built. If investment in ports and vessels starts now, the North Sea can set the benchmark for how the UK and Europe connect emitters to storage,” said James McAreavey, global head of CCUS and special projects lead at Xodus.
Additionally, the report predicts the European CO2 transport market will evolve into a hybrid system between 2030 and 2050, with pipelines handling the largest volumes in major industrial regions. Shipping will play a key supporting role by offering flexibility, enabling cross-border transport, and serving areas where pipelines aren’t practical or cost-effective.
“This study reinforces the strategic importance of enabling infrastructure in scaling CCUS across Europe. As offshore storage demand grows, the North Sea is well placed to serve as the central hub of a connected, cross-border CO2 transport and storage system,” said Iain Martin, CCUS technology manager at NZTC.