Xodus Report: Europe Needs 65 CO2 Carriers and 33 Ports for Offshore Carbon Storage by 2050
oceannews.comA new report from energy consultancy Xodus, produced for the Net Zero Technology Centre, details the infrastructure required to scale offshore carbon capture and storage across Europe. The study estimates that captured emissions will grow from 70 million tonnes per year in 2030 to 320 million tonnes by 2050. To move that CO2, Europe will need a dedicated fleet of around 65 ships and up to 60 ports equipped to handle captured carbon, with the North Sea serving as the primary storage hub. The report notes that most of the technology for moving CO2 already exists, proven in the LPG industry and through projects like Northern Lights. Shipping will provide early access to offshore storage before pipeline networks are built, with the shipping share of transport falling from 48% to 24% by 2050 as pipelines take over high-volume corridors. Key ports identified include Rotterdam, Humberside, and Liverpool Bay. For those tracking carbon market infrastructure and project viability, this report offers concrete numbers on vessel counts, port requirements, and timelines. The full study is available from Xodus and provides a practical baseline for assessing where investment and regulatory support will be needed most.