Danish partners aim to make CO₂ transport cheaper and globally scalable

How can CO₂ be transported efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively from capture facilities to storage or utilization sites? 

That is the question a consortium of researchers and companies is working to answer in a new, EUDP-supported innovation project. 

Denmark and Europe will need to handle billions of tonnes of CO₂ in the coming decades to meet politically defined climate targets, but existing transport solutions are expensive, complex, and insufficient, especially for small and medium-sized emitters that are geographically dispersed. Transport is essential when CO₂ is to be transported to storage sites, for example in the North Sea, or for use in Power-to-X processes. 

This is explained by Henrik O. Madsen, CEO of the company DecarbonICE, partner in the innovation project. 

“Today, transporting CO₂ in liquid form requires specially built tank vessels, cryogenic ISO tanks, or pressurized trailers. These are available only in limited numbers, are extremely expensive to produce, and involve significant safety risks. That is why we need to look at new methods and that is exactly what we are doing in the CO2 Infrastructure innovation project,” says Henrik O. Madsen. 

CO₂ as dry ice in containers 
The technology developed in the innovation project converts CO₂ into dry ice, which can be filled into DecarbonICE’s super-insulated, patented containers. 

Transport then takes place at atmospheric pressure, with no gas or liquid phase and without the need for dedicated infrastructure. This means that the entire existing global container fleet can be used, including trucks, trains, and container ships.  

This will significantly reduce potential investment costs for transport and cut operating costs by up to 30 percent. 

According to Dennis Jul Pedersen, CEO of Port Esbjerg, the results of the innovation project will be valuable for the entire CO₂ value chain: 

“The solution from the project will have a major impact – also for us as a port. Container-based transport allows CO₂ to be shipped across Europe via the existing logistics network. At the same time, we are establishing CO₂ terminals here and at other ports for shipment to offshore storage. Overall, this strengthens both our competitiveness and the value chain, while delivering a positive climate effect,” says Dennis Jul Pedersen. 

The backbone of global logistics 
Globally, there are 43 million shipping containers, and even a small percentage of these could transport all the CO₂ planned to be captured in the future. 

“Container transport is the backbone of global logistics, which means the entire existing infrastructure can be used without modification. A single 20-foot specially insulated container can hold up to 21 tonnes of dry ice, providing a flexible, modular solution that scales with demand, from small and medium-sized emitters to large industrial players,” says Henrik O. Madsen.  

Together with the project partners, he expects a concept ready for the market by 2028. 

Massive market potential 
According to the project partners behind CO2.0 Infrastructure, the market for CO₂ storage will be substantial.  

By 2050 alone, it is expected to reach 6 billion tonnes. 

For members of the Danish energy cluster, innovation projects such as CO2 Infrastructure are crucial if Denmark and Europe are to meet their climate targets. 

This is stated by Glenda Napier, CEO of Energy Cluster Denmark, which facilitates the CO2 Infrastructure project. 

“Demand for transport solutions follows the same trajectory as the market for CO₂ storage, but the necessary infrastructure does not exist today. That is why it is essential to develop and market concrete solutions that can optimize our value chains and create real business opportunities within carbon capture, utilization, and storage – including transport. We are pleased to be part of this innovation project, which will serve as an example of the development we need in infrastructure and in supporting progress together with our members,” says Glenda Napier. 

Want to know more about the project? 
The CO2 Infrastructure innovation project started in January 2026 and runs until June 2028. 

It is supported by The Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program (EUDP) with DKK 8.7 million. In addition to DecarbonICE, the partnership includes Aarhus University, Ancotrans, Cold Jet ApS, Fremsyn ApS, Greengo Energy, KIRT X THOMSEN, Maersk Container Industry A/S, Port Esbjerg, and Energy Cluster Denmark. 

If you have questions about the project, please contact: 

René Høltzerman 
Project Manager, Energy Cluster Denmark 
reh@energycluster.dk / +45 31 75 58 32