Fugro has begun a ground investigation for Equinor’s proposed 1,000-kilometre CO2 pipeline, which aims to transport carbon dioxide from hubs in mainland Europe to storage sites on the Norwegian continental shelf.
The project, described as a potential breakthrough for CO2 transport and storage in northwestern Europe, is part of efforts to enable large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions for European industry.
The pipeline, dubbed the “CO2 Highway,” is scheduled to come online by 2030, with Fugro’s data acquisition playing a crucial role in minimising design risks.
The geotechnical services firm will use its specialised WaveWalker platform to collect high-quality geo-data at the project’s coastal location in Zeebrugge, Belgium.
WaveWalker, a liveaboard jack-up platform, is mainly suited for nearshore projects due to its ability to operate in shallow waters and adverse weather conditions. According to Fugro, the platform’s fixed legs provide stability, reducing wave interference, while its liveaboard capabilities minimise disruptions caused by crew changes.
These features allow Fugro to conduct work during winter 2024, mitigating risks of delays or increased costs due to harsh weather.
Prior to beginning the ground investigation, Fugro conducted a survey for unexploded ordnance to ensure safe operations. The investigation itself includes geotechnical borehole drilling, high-quality sampling, and downhole cone penetration tests (CPT).
The data collected will help Equinor design critical infrastructure, such as the landfall site and the deep burial of the pipeline under the Scheur ship channel.
This latest contract builds on Fugro’s earlier geotechnical work for the CO2 Highway. In August, the company deployed two vessels—Fugro Galaxyand Fugro Meridian—to complete CPT and Vibrocore sampling along the proposed pipeline route, including deep-water sections. The combined efforts are intended to provide Equinor with the data needed to evaluate project feasibility and reduce uncertainties ahead of an investment decision.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our Fugro teams across Europe to deliver critical data acquisition works for Equinor, especially within the pioneering CCUS sector, which aligns with our mission to help create a safe and liveable world,” said Matthew Chappell, Regional Nearshore Service Line Director for Europe and Africa.
The CO2 pipeline is a key part of Equinor’s strategy to support carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) initiatives in Europe. Starting at CO2 hubs in Zeebrugge and Dunkirk, the pipeline is designed to connect industrial emitters with permanent storage wells on the Norwegian continental shelf.
