The specification provides a structured approach to assess CCUS subsystems, including CO2 capture, dehydration, compression, liquefaction, safety systems, material selection, and injection sites. Applicable to both onshore and offshore projects, including hybrid applications like blue hydrogen with CCUS, it supports the design, construction, and operation phases to ensure reliability and compliance.
DNV reports that global CCUS capacity could rise from 41 million tonnes of CO2 per year to 1,300 million tonnes by 2050, with carbon capture and storage (CCS) potentially growing fourfold by 2030. Cumulative investments may reach $80 billion by the decade’s end, though economic challenges could impact progress. DNV also notes that carbon capture from natural gas production may decrease from 34% in 2030 to 6% by 2050.
Lucy Craig, Senior Vice President at DNV, stated: “CCUS is no longer a niche technology but rather a decarbonization imperative.” Jamie Burrows, DNV’s Global Segment Lead for CCUS, added: “The successful scaling of CCUS projects hinged on early deployment.”
In the maritime sector, onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) shows promise for reducing shipping emissions. A 2024 study by the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative, Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), and Stena Bulk highlighted OCCS’s potential but noted challenges, including balancing CO2 capture rates with operational costs. Lynn Loo, GCMD’s CEO, emphasized: “The need to balance the tension between maximising CO2 capture rates while maintaining commercially acceptable CapEx and OpEx is one of the most pressing matters.”
In May 2025, GCMD’s analysis showed that conventional OCCS systems can reduce well-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions by 29% for heavy fuel oil ships. Using bio-LNG or biodiesel could increase reductions to 69–121%. Incorporating captured CO2 into concrete could further boost savings to 60% by reducing reliance on carbon-intensive cement.
DNV’s specification aims to standardize verification, fostering trust and supporting the global expansion of CCUS technologies.
