en.Wedoany.com Reported - As industrial decarbonization requirements in Europe continue to tighten, port operators are gradually taking on the role of hubs connecting industrial emission sources with geological storage sites. Norwegian carbon aggregator Normod Carbon and European port operator Euroports have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding for the joint development of carbon capture, transport, and permanent storage infrastructure.

The memorandum provides a technical, commercial, and market feasibility framework for both parties to evaluate the construction and operation of an intermediate CO2 receiving hub, aiming to connect industrial emission sources in Northern and Western Europe with offshore and onshore permanent storage reservoirs. Under this proposed collaboration, Euroports will contribute its terminal facility network, deep-water access, and port logistics capabilities, while Normod Carbon will bring operational experience in managing open-access CO2 logistics networks, covering intermediate buffer storage, shuttle tankers, and aggregation facilities.

Currently, the shared hub architecture is seen as a key means to reduce transport costs for emission sources through economies of scale. Philip Berckmans, Group Commercial Director of Euroports, believes that the energy transition is fundamentally reshaping the strategic role of port infrastructure, with port terminals not only serving renewable energy and circular economy supply chains but also becoming vital pathways for carbon management.

Jan Lien, CEO of Normod Carbon, pointed out that achieving accessible carbon logistics relies on shared infrastructure and strategic terminal partnerships. He stated that Euroports' extensive terminal network and operational expertise make it an ideal partner, and both parties will jointly explore opportunities to establish an efficient CO2 hub solution network to accelerate carbon capture and storage deployment in the Nordic region.

Although the memorandum of understanding remains non-legally binding at this stage, it marks the first step toward a potential joint investment decision. The two companies are currently evaluating preliminary target locations and commercial offtake opportunities within Euroports' European network.