In the presence of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HM King Frederik of Denmark, INEOS and Royal Wagenborg signed a landmark agreement on 12 November on the delivery of a new build CO2 carrier. This vessel, based on Wagenborg’s award-winning EasyMax design, will be built by shipyard Royal Niestern Sander.
The contract marks a significant step towards advancing carbon capture and storage (CCS) within the European Union.
The long term agreement with INEOS marks the first construction and deployment of a dedicated CO2 carrier for Wagenborg. This purpose-built CO2 carrier, designed to meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency, will facilitate large-scale transport of CO2 to the Greensand storage site in the Danish North Sea, led by INEOS with its partners Harbour Energy and Nordsøfonden.
Also read: Wagenborg orders sixth EasyMax at Niestern Sander
Dutch expertise leading the way
Wagenborg sees the venture into CO2 transportation using the acclaimed EasyMax vessel design as underscoring its status as pioneers committed to sustainability. The EasyMax concept – developed by Royal Wagenborg and Royal Niestern Sander – has proven to be successful in terms of safe, reliable and efficient ocean transportation.
‘The North of the Netherlands, with Wagenborg at its helm, represents more than maritime excellence – it’s the lifeblood of our communities,’ says Egbert Vuursteen, CEO Royal Wagenborg. ‘Here, where European short-sea shipping was born, collaboration drives innovation. Through INEOS and Wagenborg’s agreement, we’re not just advancing an industry – we’re charting a course toward a future where Dutch maritime expertise leads the way. This is our maritime legacy in action.’
Edwin de Vries, director Wagenborg Offshore, adds: ‘The availability of in-house knowledge and experience of shipping, offshore and shipbuilding has resulted in a variety of game changing dedicated vessels. The agreement between INEOS and Wagenborg is a new and unique step in the establishment of safe and efficient logistics in the full value chain of CCS on a large scale.’
Also read: Queen Máxima christens Wagenborg Easymax vessels
EasyMax design
The EasyMax 14300 was developed by Conoship International BV, Groningen, in close cooperation with Royal Wagenborg and Royal Niestern Sander as a next generation open top (hatchcoverless) multi-purpose vessel with a maximum hold volume, maximum deadweight and minimal fuel consumption within the size limitations of the vessel. The ability to sail “open top” in combination with the bridge forward of the ship enhances the vessel’s flexibility for high and exceptional cargo.
The ice-strengthened EasyMax is a relatively large vessel with an energy-efficient propulsion system. Moreover, the hull shape is optimised for different draughts resulting in an ultra-low Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and extremely low fuel consumption (9 tonnes per 24-hour period at a service speed of 11 knots).
The relatively low fuel consumption is also due to the construction above water. The vessel is lighter, with a more favourable centre of gravity position and has less wind resistance.
Six EasyMax vessels
Up to the order for the CO2 carrier, Wagenborg had ordered a total of six EasyMax vessels. The first EasyMax was the Egbert Wagenborg, delivered in 2017. It was followed by the Máxima in 2021, which was christened by Queen Máxima of the Netherlands during Delfsail in June 2024 (original plans were for a christening during Delfsail in 2021, but this was postponed due to Covid), and the Amalia in 2024.
Just last week, on 8 November, Niestern Sander handed over the EasyMax 4, Alexia. The EasyMax 5, which is still to receive a name, was ordered in January of this year and is expected to be delivered by the end of 2025. Number six was ordered in October and is set for delivery in summer 2026. All EasyMax vessels have been or are being built at Niestern Sander.
Picture: The award-winning EasyMax ship type is designed to meet the highest standards of safe, reliable and efficient ocean transportation (by Royal Wagenborg).
Also read: Wagenborg fits crane to Kingsborg for decommissioning job
