The Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) – one between ABP and LBC and North Sea Port and one between ABP and the Port of Esbjerg – on Monday (26 January) set the stage for collaborative efforts to develop shipping routes for captured carbon dioxide (CO₂), enabling hard-to-abate sectors to cut emissions while supporting and growing good jobs.
This new shipping market adds to the positioning of ports as key players in the green economy.
Henrik Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer of ABP, said: “Ports have always been gateways for energy. Today, they are at the forefront of the energy transition. This agreement is about building the infrastructure and partnerships needed to decarbonise industry and create new opportunities for sustainable growth.
“It paves the way for the UK to utilise its world leading geological assets to provide near term options for emissions reductions across Europe and realise significant export potential for the UK.
This is not just about reducing emissions – it’s about creating a new market for carbon shipping that will help Europe meet its climate goals and secure industrial competitiveness and the jobs that rely on it at pace.”
The two MoUs will focus on:
- Designing port infrastructure for CO₂ handling, storage and shipping.
- Building a robust value chain for CO₂ transport between ABP’s Humber ports and leading European ports and infrastructure asset owners.
- Driving innovation and efficiencies in carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) related transportation.
Photo credit: Associated British Ports
Published: 28 January, 2026
