In December 2023, the Schulte Group announced the expansion of its fleet portfolio by ordering its first LCO2 tanker. At the end of November, the keel-laying ceremony took place at the yard of Dalian Shipbuilding & Offshore Company (DSOC) in China, marking an important milestone on this journey.

The newbuilding has been commissioned by Bernhard Schulte, the group’s ship owning arm. The construction is overseen by the group's newbuilding division Schulte Marine Concept (S.M.C.), including plan approval and construction supervision. Ship management services will be provided by Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM).

The newbuilding is designed as an LCO2 tanker of the type 2PG/3G, suitable for the transportation of refrigerated liquefied gases in two cylindrical-shaped independent cargo tanks of the IMO type C. Despite a cargo capacity of 7,500 m3, it will feature innovative technologies to significantly reduce its carbon footprint: The primary fuel for the ship will be LNG. Combined with other proven technologies, such as wind-assisted rotor sails and air lubrication, it is expected to achieve a carbon footprint approximately 34% lower than that of conventional ships running on marine fuel.

The novel tanker is committed to a long-term time charter agreement with Northern Lights, a joint venture owned by Shell, TotalEnergies and Equinor, and will support the development of the world’s first cross-border CO2 transport and storage infrastructure. Here, ships custom-built for transportation of liquefied CO2 will safely transport the chemical compound from Northern Lights’ customers across Northwest Europe to the CO2 receiving terminal at Øygarden, Norway before permanent geological storage. Northern Lights envisages putting to work four LCO2 tankers in total, with the first one having been already delivered in November. The delivery of the Bernhard Schulte vessel is scheduled for 2026.

Find out more about the new LCO2 tanker project and Carbon Capture and Storage in general here.

RELATED News

BSM Smart Academy expanding its partner network
BSM Smart Academy expanding its partner network

The BSM Smart Academy has gained two more universities for its programme: the King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Egypt. This brings the partner network of the BSM Smart Academy, which was only launched by the BSM in April 2024, to six maritime institutions. BSM is also in cooperation talks with other universities.

The potential of Carbon Capture and Storage for the shipping industry
The potential of Carbon Capture and Storage for the shipping industry

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a safe and efficient way to handle emissions and meet climate targets. And it offers beneficial opportunities for the shipping industry in gaining new business and reducing its own carbon footprint, Johan Lillieskold, Gas Solutions Specialist at Schulte Group, is convinced.

EU ETS: It's time to act
EU ETS: It's time to act

On 1 January 2024, shipping officially joined the European Union’s Emission Trading System (EU ETS). With it emerged a comprehensive set of responsibilities, accompanied by significant financial implications for shipping companies who, for the first time, are included in a market-based measure such as EU ETS. The increased level of interaction between the European Commission and the shipping industry means a novelty for both parties - and an ongoing learning process.

Unlocking operational synergies between yachting and commercial shipping
Unlocking operational synergies between yachting and commercial shipping

The superyacht industry has been developing significantly over the recent years, especially since 2020. Today, the total fleet worldwide is at 12,500 yachts over 24m seeing explorer yachts and multihulls growing in popularity and the attractiveness of very large yachts unbroken, despite other predictions. BSM Yachting has entered this market with an innovative approach.