CEF Energy: visiting Porthos, the CO2 transport backbone in the port of Rotterdam area

CINEA recently visited the construction site of Porthos - the CO₂ transport backbone in the port of Rotterdam - and confirmed that all the works are progressing on track.

The Porthos project will develop an open access, cross-border CO₂  transport network to transport CO₂  from industrial sources in the ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp and Ghent to offshore storage locations in depleted gas fields in the North Sea. As part of the Project of Common Interest (PCI) CO2 TransPorts, this project plays a key role in the EU’s decarbonisation strategy, helping to meet climate targets for 2030 and beyond, and significantly reducing the carbon footprint of one of Europe's largest industrial hubs.

Porthos is co-funded by CEF Energy and has received two grants: EUR 6.5 million for studies and more than EUR 102 million for works in the infrastructure. This funding supports the construction of a 33 km long onshore pipeline connecting industrial emitters in the port of Rotterdam, a compressor station of 20 MW located at Aziëweg, and a 20 km offshore pipeline that will transport the compressed captured CO2 to depleted gas fields for storage in the Dutch section of the North Sea.

CINEA visited the section of the onshore pipeline, which is already mostly completed.  The designated site for the compressor station at Aziëweg is also taking shape, with supporting infrastructure such as electrical buildings already in place, while the actual compressors will arrive later towards the end of the construction phase.  The offshore pipeline is still in its early stages but preparatory activities have already started, and the delivery of the necessary pipes is expected in the coming weeks. From the shore, the team could also see the P18A offshore platform, a critical element of the storage process, (although this part is not directly funded by CEF).

The comprehensive progress seen on-site underscores the project's steady advancement and the commitment to meeting its objectives within the planned timeline.

With full operations expected to commence by 2026, Porthos is an example of the potential of public-private collaboration in tackling climate change. As construction progresses, the project continues to pave the way for a more sustainable industrial future, demonstrating that carbon capture and storage can be an effective tool in Europe’s fight against global warming.

More information: 

CEF Energy: reducing the carbon footprint of European industrial hubs

Website of the project