Rotterdam, 26 August 2026 - Comprehensive feasibility study demonstrates technical and operational feasibility of CO₂ rail transport to our Wilhelmshaven terminal (HWTT), paving the way for scalable CCUS infrastructure across Europe.
A major feasibility study released today confirms that rail-based CO₂ logistics to Wilhelmshaven are not only technically viable but operationally scalable. Positioning our CO₂nnectNow export terminal as a critical hub for European decarbonisation.
Conducted between mid-2025 and early 2026 by DB Cargo and DB InfraGO in partnership with HES International and Harbour Energy, the study examined the capacity of the German rail network and evaluated logistics concepts for eleven industrial emitters. The findings are clear: by 2030, approximately 11 trains per day in each direction could operate between emitters and Wilhelmshaven; by 2033, this scales to 17 trains daily.
"Our Wilhelmshaven terminal is very well positioned to become one of Germany's first CO₂ export hubs," says Otto Waterlander, Director of New Energies at HES International. "We can leverage existing rail infrastructure onsite and our established jetty capacity. With ships able to berth from 2030 onwards, we are ready to connect European industrial emitters to offshore storage solutions at the scale this transition demands."
For emissions-intensive sectors: cement, lime production, thermal waste-to-energy; process-related CO₂ cannot be entirely avoided. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is recognised as essential to meeting European climate targets. The study demonstrates how captured and liquefied CO₂ can be transported by rail from industrial sites to Wilhelmshaven, then shipped onwards to offshore storage facilities in the North Sea.
This creates a clear, scalable value chain: Decentralised industrial emitters gain access to a centralised hub with reliable, long-term connectivity to permanent storage. Rail transport emerges as the backbone of this system.
The study focuses on rail transport, yet industrial decarbonisation requires diverse logistics solutions. We are actively developing truck transport options for CO₂, ensuring that different site configurations, production volumes and operational constraints can be met with tailored and efficient solutions.
This multimodal approach; combining rail for bulk, long-distance transport with truck logistics for distributed or smaller-volume operations, maximises the accessibility of CCUS infrastructure across the industrial landscape.
By 2030, the first CO₂ exports from Wilhelmshaven are targeted. This timeline is realistic, based on existing infrastructure, proven logistics capabilities, and clear commercial demand from industrial partners committed to decarbonisation.
This study proves that CO₂ logistics via Wilhelmshaven are achievable now, with the technology, capacity, and expertise already in place. Industrial emitters no longer face a choice between production and decarbonisation; they face a viable pathway forward.
HES International's role is clear: Operate the terminal infrastructure, ensure operational excellence, and maintain the connectivity that enables European industry to transition responsibly.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Read the full feasibility study: CO₂ logistics by rail with DB Cargo: Study confirms potential