BSM enters LCO₂ carrier segment with management of “Northern Purpose”

Published on 20 May 2026

Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) is taking over the management of its first liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO₂) carrier. The innovative vessel was christened "Northern Purpose" on 19 May at Dalian Shipbuilding Offshore (DSOC) in China.

The vessel marks BSM’s entry into the management of LCO₂ carriers – an emerging and highly specialised segment that plays a key role in the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) value chains. With only four such vessels currently in operation worldwide, “Northern Purpose” represents a significant step in expanding BSM’s technical and operational expertise in CCS-related shipping.

Naming ceremony of “Northern Purpose” at Dalian Shipbuilding Offshore Co., Ltd. (DSOC) in China
The “Northern Purpose” is equipped with an LNG dual-fuel propulsion system, a wind-assisted rotor sail and an air lubrication system.

Supporting the Northern Lights CCS project

Following delivery, “Northern Purpose” will enter long-term service supporting the Northern Lights CCS project, the world’s first cross-border CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure. The vessel will transport liquefied CO₂ from industrial customers in Northwest Europe to Norway for permanent geological storage.

As ship manager, BSM was closely involved from an early stage of the project in preparing for the operational requirements of this new type of vessel. As one of the first LCO₂ carriers globally, “Northern Purpose” introduces new technical, operational and safety considerations. BSM has drawn on its experience in managing gas carriers and complex tanker operations, while further developing internal capabilities to support this pioneering segment.

Preparing the crew for a new vessel type

The preparation of the vessel’s crew has been a key focus area, ensuring that all personnel are fully equipped to safely and efficiently operate the vessel under its specific cargo and operational conditions. The vessel has a cargo capacity of 7,500 m³, distributed across two cylindrical pressure tanks. They are engineered to safely handle CO₂ at low temperatures and medium pressure.

“Northern Purpose” features a range of technologies aimed at reducing its operational carbon footprint. The vessel is equipped with an LNG dual-fuel propulsion system. Combined with other proven technologies, in particular a wind-assisted rotor sail and an air lubrication system, this results in significantly lower CO₂ emissions.

From left: Bjørn Jordal, Director Operations & Logistics of Northern Lights; Sun Yingzhi, Chairman of DSOC; godmother V. Kudlich; Johann Schulte, Chief Commercial Officer of Bernhard Schulte

The crew for “Northern Purpose” was selected from BSM’s experienced LPG crew pool. To support operational readiness, specific simulator training was completed, and key takeover officers gained hands-on experience on one of the sister vessels to familiarise themselves with the vessel’s operational profile. During sea trials, systems such as the rotor sail were tested under various conditions to ensure safe and efficient operation from delivery.

With the addition of “Northern Purpose”, BSM continues to strengthen its position as a manager of technically advanced vessels. This reflects the company’s broader commitment to decarbonisation, innovation and the safe management of new maritime technologies.

Learn more about the “Northern Purpose” and the potential of Carbon Capture and Storage for the shipping industry.

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