Research into CO₂ delivery by rail
CO₂next is developing an open-access, non-discriminatory terminal for liquid CO₂ at the Maasvlakte in Rotterdam. In the current development phase, the focus is on receiving liquid CO₂ by ship, with onward transport via the Aramis pipeline to offshore storage locations.
In addition, CO₂next is assessing whether delivery of CO₂ by rail could be a valuable extension to the terminal and to the wider CO₂ infrastructure in Europe. Rail transport could create new opportunities for industries without direct access to waterways or CO₂ pipelines, supporting the further deployment of CC(U)S in Europe.
Step-by-Step assessment
CO₂next is exploring whether a CO₂ railcar unloading facility could be developed as a future expansion of the terminal.
2025 – Feasibility Study
An initial study assessed the Maasvlakte location, possible layouts for a rail unloading facility, safety aspects, the permitting process, and the pathway toward realization. A summary of the feasibility study is available here.
2026 – Call for Interest and Further Exploration
From 4 March to 2 April 2026, market parties were invited to express their interest in CO₂ delivery by rail. The insights gathered are now being incorporated into further planning. Based on these results, the concept layout will be refined and preparatory steps will be taken in the areas of design, permitting and planning.
Indicative timeline
- 2026 – Start concept select | permitting trajectory
- 2028 – Strategic investment decision | Start FEED
- 2029 – End permit trajectory | Final investment decision | Start construction
- 2031 – Commissioning | Ready for operation
Expanding CC(U)S opportunities in Europe
The terminal will be accessible to industries capturing CO₂ that require a reliable solution for permanent storage in depleted gas fields under the North Sea (CCS), as well as future options for CO₂ reuse (CCU).
By enabling CO₂ transport and storage, CO₂next helps reduce emissions and contributes to Dutch and European climate objectives, while safeguarding a sustainable future of industry.
Located at a strategic site on the Maasvlakte, the terminal will be accessible via sea, inland waterways and rail, with direct access to the Aramis offshore pipeline to North Sea storage locations. By combining different transport modes, CO₂next plays a key role in building a comprehensive European CO₂ transport network, enabling large-scale deployment of CC(U)S.
Stay in touch
Do you have questions about, or are you interested in, the potential delivery of CO₂ by rail?
Please feel free to contact us at info@co2next.nl.
We welcome your questions and ideas, also after the completion of the Call for Interest.