Introduction: Offshore Carbon Capture – Unlocking a New Opportunity
As the global energy sector accelerates its transition toward decarbonization, carbon capture and storage (CCS) is emerging as a pivotal solution for reducing industrial CO₂ emissions. Offshore operators are now exploring the potential of repurposing existing oil and gas infrastructure such as depleted reservoirs and subsea pipelines for the permanent storage of captured carbon dioxide.
This approach not only supports climate goals but also extends the operational life and value of legacy offshore assets.
In this context, Navitera partnered with an international energy company to assess and prepare an offshore facility for secure, long-term CO₂ injection and storage. The project’s primary objective was to evaluate the technical, environmental, and regulatory feasibility of transforming a mature gas field into a certified CO₂ storage site, fully compliant with evolving class and environmental standards.
Creative approach to every project
The Challenge: Precision in Repurposing
The project site, located in the Eastern Mediterranean, had ceased hydrocarbon production but offered exceptional geological containment making it an ideal candidate for CO₂ storage. However, several critical challenges needed to be overcome:
- Aging subsea infrastructure more than 15 years old, with incomplete digital mapping and uncertain pipeline integrity.
- Topside facilities requiring extensive upgrades to handle CO₂ injection modifications to pressure systems, instrumentation, and environmental controls.
- Complex international CCS regulations, including DNV-ST-F203, ISO 27914, and IMO environmental protocols, demanding a clear and compliant project roadmap.
Navitera’s Role: Enabling a Safe and Compliant Transition
Navitera led a multidisciplinary engineering and compliance program, beginning with a full feasibility study of the site’s repurposing potential. This included:
- Subsurface modelling in collaboration with reservoir engineers
- Caprock integrity assessments
- Long-term simulation of CO₂ plume behavior
A parallel engineering review of topside and subsea systems was carried out to design modifications for:
Remote monitoring infrastructure
The aging subsea pipeline network underwent a structural assessment, with targeted refurbishment strategies developed to ensure safe CO₂ transport.
A cornerstone of Navitera’s involvement was creating a customized regulatory compliance roadmap, aligning with DNV’s offshore CO₂ storage standards and preparing full documentation for Class submission. An environmental screening was also completed in line with host country and IMO requirements, addressing risks such as leakage, seismic events, and marine biodiversity impacts.
Results Delivered: From Vision to Regulatory Milestone
In just five months, the project advanced from concept stage to regulatory readiness:
- The field was confirmed suitable for CO₂ injection.
- A detailed engineering plan for infrastructure conversion was finalized.
- Preliminary Class endorsement was secured a critical step toward Final Investment Decision (FID).
Additionally, the project qualified for regional green transition funding by meeting international benchmarks for safe and monitored CO₂ storage. Navitera’s technical documentation and safety case development played a decisive role in achieving this milestone.
Implications for Offshore Operators
As global climate mandates tighten and decommissioning costs rise, offshore CCS presents a compelling pathway for asset repurposing. Projects demonstrating both technical robustness and regulatory compliance are far more likely to attract capital investment, secure insurance coverage, and gain government support.
Navitera’s success in this initiative showcases its ability to deliver integrated engineering and compliance solutions for CCS projects covering the entire journey from feasibility assessment to Class endorsement. Leveraging deep maritime expertise and a strong grasp of evolving environmental frameworks, Navitera enables operators to transform aging offshore assets into future-ready carbon storage facilities.
About Navitera
Navitera is a trusted global provider of engineering, compliance, and maritime consultancy services. With decades of experience and a worldwide presence, Navitera is committed to advancing sustainable and innovative solutions for next-generation marine and offshore operations helping the industry navigate the energy transition with confidence.
