Press release
May 4, 2026
Vår Energi, Aker Solutions and KNCC sign Memorandum of Understanding to mature the Trudvang CCS Project in the North Sea
Stavanger, Norway – Vår Energi CCS AS, operator for Trudvang CCS ANS (Trudvang), Aker Solutions, and Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers AS (KNCC) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly mature the concept for an integrated CO₂ transportation and storage value chain on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
From left: Oliver Hagen-Smith, CEO KNCC / Torger Rød COO Vår Energi CCS AS / Henrik Inadomi EVP New Energies Aker Solutions.
The partnership combines the strengths of three industry leaders - spanning offshore engineering, CO₂ storage development and operations, and marine transportation. The MoU reflects a shared ambition to strengthen the Trudvang CO₂ transportation and storage project (“Trudvang project”) and to establish robust, flexible, and commercially attractive CO2 transport and storage solutions for European industrial customers.
A scalable CO2 transport & storage solution for European industry
The Trudvang concept provides flexible transport and storage services for customers. By utilising KNCC’s specialised CO2 carriers equipped with dynamic positioning (DP) systems and Aker Solutions know-how to design the unmanned CO2 injection platform, the project enables direct offshore batch injection. The concept is designed for scalability and replicability enabling initial injection volumes of approximately 2 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa), with the potential to scale to more than 20 Mtpa.
The Trudvang project will inject CO2 into the Utsira Formation, a proven world-class CO2 storage site. The project benefits from operational experience in the nearby Sleipner field, where CO₂ has been successfully stored in the Utsira aquifer for nearly 30 years. This track record reinforces the Trudvang project as a reliable and scalable pathway for long-term industrial decarbonisation.
Under the MoU, the parties will work together to optimise the technical and commercial framework for the project aiming to establish a viable business case in view of a potential Final Investment Decision (FID), focusing on:
Joint engagement with customers, regulators, and other stakeholders to strengthen market confidence
Flexible logistics to develop CO₂ transportation scenarios for both medium pressure (MP) and elevated pressure (EP) modes to accommodate different value chain requirements
Infrastructure optimisation on the unmanned platform designs and subsea solutions to minimise the environmental footprint and reduce operational costs
Direct offshore injection to mature the interface between CO2 vessels and offshore receiving facilities and ensure seamless, safe operations in the North Sea environment
About the Parties:
Vår Energi CCS AS (“Vår CCS”) is the operator of Trudvang CCS ANS (“Trudvang”). Trudvang is the company which holds the EXL007 CO2 licence, on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, as awarded by the Norwegian Ministry of Energy in September 2023. Trudvang is at the date of this MoU owned by Vår Energi CCS AS (Operator) with 40% equity, INPEX Idemitsu Norge AS with 30% equity and Storegga Norge AS with 30%.
Website: Trudvang CCS - Trudvang CCS
Aker Solutions delivers integrated solutions, products and services to the global energy industry. The company enables low-carbon oil and gas production and develops renewable solutions to meet future energy needs. The deliveries range from large platforms for oil and gas production, to offshore wind installations and facilities for carbon capture, utilization and storage.
Website: Aker Solutions | Aker Solutions
Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers AS (“KNCC”) is a joint venture established by Knutsen Group (Norway) and NYKLine (Japan). KNCC serves as the designated gateway for developing and executing LCO2 marine transportation business on behalf of both owners. In addition to offering medium pressure and low-pressure transportation options, KNCC owns proprietary technology for handling liquefied CO2 (“LCO2”) at ambient temperature and elevated pressure (“LCO2-EP”). KNCC owners’ together own and operate the largest shuttle tanker fleet operating in the North Sea.
Website: www.kn-cc.com
