A Groundbreaking Contract for a Greener Tomorrow
In a bold move toward a sustainable future, U.S.-based energy services giant Expro has secured a pivotal contract for the Netherlands’ first offshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) project. This landmark initiative, known as Porthos (Port of Rotterdam CO2 Transport Hub and Offshore Storage), aims to transform legacy gas wells into CO2 injection sites, marking a significant step in the fight against climate change.
Expro’s role? To provide cutting-edge tubular running services (TRS) using its proprietary non-marking TRS technology. This innovation is specifically designed to handle corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) tubulars, ensuring the longevity and integrity of wells in the highly corrosive CO2 environment. By repurposing existing infrastructure, Expro is not only reducing costs but also paving the way for scalable CCS solutions worldwide.
The Tech Behind the Transformation
At the heart of this project lies Expro’s advanced TRS technology, a game-changer for the CCS sector. Traditionally used in oil and gas operations, this tech is now being repurposed to tackle the unique challenges of carbon storage. The CRA tubulars are engineered to withstand the harsh conditions of CO2 injection, ensuring that the wells remain secure and functional for decades.
“This contract underscores Expro’s technical prowess in deploying CRA tubulars,” said Iain Farley, Regional Vice President for Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa at Expro. “It’s exciting to see our oil and gas expertise being leveraged to unlock the potential of CCS, a critical tool in the global energy transition.”
Porthos: A Blueprint for Sustainable Industry
The Porthos project is a collaborative effort led by EBN, Gasunie, and the Port of Rotterdam Authority. It’s designed to capture CO2 emissions from industrial sources in Rotterdam, transport them via a subsea pipeline, and store them permanently in depleted gas fields 20 kilometers off the Dutch coast.
With a final investment decision secured in October 2023, the project is now in full swing. Allseas is constructing the subsea pipeline, MAN Energy Solutions is delivering state-of-the-art compressor trains, and KCI is engineering the transformation of the TAQA-owned P18-A platform into a CO2 storage facility.
Once operational in 2026, Porthos is expected to reduce CO2 emissions from the Rotterdam port industry by 10%, contributing to a 17% reduction in industrial emissions by 2030. This ambitious project is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in addressing the climate crisis.
What’s Next for Offshore CCS?
As offshore CCS gains momentum, projects like Porthos are setting the standard for sustainable energy solutions. With construction set to begin in 2025, the world will be watching closely to see how this pioneering initiative unfolds.
Expro’s involvement in this project is more than just a contract—it’s a glimpse into the future of energy. By repurposing existing technologies and infrastructure, the company is proving that the tools of yesterday can be the building blocks of a greener tomorrow.
