European Commission Approves CarbonBridge German CO₂ Export Terminal Joint Venture

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On August 27, the CarbonBridge joint venture, established by Ambrian Energy and Messer, received antitrust approval from the European Commission. The joint venture plans to build the CarbonBridge CO₂ export terminal in Bremen, Germany, with operations targeted to commence as early as 2031. This approval pertains to the establishment of the joint venture by the two parties and does not constitute a construction permit for the terminal; the required construction and operating permits from local authorities in Bremen must still be obtained before construction begins.

The first phase of CarbonBridge is planned to have a maximum CO₂ processing capacity of approximately 2.3 million tonnes per year, with subsequent expansion targeted to around 4 million tonnes. The terminal will handle the unloading, temporary storage, transportation, and ship loading of captured CO₂. Ambrian Energy will provide a plot of approximately 3 hectares in the Bremen port area for the project, with existing rail access on site.

The current project plan includes dedicated CO₂ storage capacity of up to approximately 55,000 cubic metres, rail unloading facilities, and an independent jetty. The jetty is planned with a design draught of 10.5 metres and can handle vessels with a capacity of up to 30,000 tonnes; CO₂ can be delivered to the terminal by rail and, after storage and loading, transported to geological storage facilities in the North Sea. The project design also reserves interfaces for future pipeline connections.

The division of responsibilities between the two parties has been clarified: Ambrian Energy is responsible for providing the port site and related logistics infrastructure, while Messer provides CO₂ capture and processing technology and incorporates its ZeCarb business solution into the project. The two parties have not yet disclosed the total investment in CarbonBridge, the specific shareholding structure of the joint venture, or the planned construction start date.