D-HUBN: THE DISTRIBUTION HEART OF ARAMIS
The D-HUBN offshore CO2 distribution platform will be the heart of the future Aramis CCS infrastructure. Leading its development is Daan Noothoven, D-HUBN lead and delivery manager. With more than 25 years’ experience in EPCCI (engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, installation), Daan has successfully worked on complex onshore and offshore projects worldwide, from design to installation. He is now focused on this critical component of the Aramis infrastructure, which is essential for achieving sustainable CO2 storage.
The name ‘D-HUBN’ doesn’t tell us much. What is it?
“The Distribution Hub North or ‘D-HUBN’ is an offshore distribution platform that will transport CO2 to the depleted gas fields owned by partners within the Aramis value chain. From the collection hub on the Maasvlakte in Rotterdam, CO2 will be conveyed through the offshore Aramis trunkline to the D-HUBN. Located approximately 200 kilometres off the coast of Rotterdam, northwest of Den Helder, the platform marks the end of the trunkline and will be strategically positioned in relation to the storage sites. From the D-HUBN, all further CO2 transport will be coordinated.”
What will the platform look like?
“The platform will be an offshore riser structure with two main components: the jacket and the topside. The jacket, a steel framework, will be anchored to the seabed with a driven pile foundation. It will be secured to the four piles with grout, a specialised cement blend formulated for underwater applications. This design will guarantee stability, even in the event of a severe storm or ship collision.
“The jacket and pile construction forms the foundation of the topside, a process unit above sea level. It will operate like a small factory, featuring a steel structure equipped with control and communications systems, pipelines and valves. The platform will be powered by a hybrid energy system, combining wind turbines, solar panels and batteries. The topside will function as an unmanned system, with all activities managed remotely. Staff will visit the platform only for maintenance.”
Figure 1: D-HUBN impression
And how will it work — without getting too technical?
“The riser platform will receive CO2 through the offshore trunkline. From there, the CO2 will flow to the topside via risers. There will be six risers in total: one for incoming CO2, four for distribution to the depleted gas fields and one reserved for potential future expansion. The topside will serve as a distribution hub, with the control system, pipelines and valves directing the CO2 through spurlines to the injection platforms. Once at these platforms, the CO2 will be injected into the depleted gas fields.”
So, CO2 injection will not be part of the D-HUBN?
“That’s correct. The D-HUBN will be a distribution hub; it will facilitate the transport of CO2 but will not be responsible for injecting it into the depleted gas fields. The ongoing transport to the gas fields via the spurlines will be managed by TotalEnergies, Shell and Eni. Aramis will operate an open-access system, enabling several industrial parties to reserve transport capacity for their captured CO2 in advance. The capture and transport to the Aramis CCS infrastructure will be managed by Porthos, CO2next and other onshore partners. The value chain will also be open access on the storage side, with the potential for adding new storage sites in the future.”
What are the challenges in designing a system like this?
“One challenge is the platform’s hybrid energy supply. It is inherently complex: we will primarily use wind and solar energy, with a battery system and a generator as backup. The energy will power navigation lights and enable communication and remote operation of the system.
“However, the greatest challenge is the CO2 itself. Understanding how it will behave in these particular circumstances is crucial. As CCS is a relatively new field, we conduct extensive research into safety and process dynamics. CO2 is heavier than air and will sink in the event of a leak, necessitating specific safety precautions. So, while the system is technically complex, the real challenge involves understanding and safely managing CO2 across a range of scenarios.”
As you mentioned, safety is paramount. How do you guarantee it?
“It goes without saying that safety is essential for a complex and innovative project like the Aramis CCS infrastructure. Every aspect, including the D-HUBN, will be designed to minimise risks while ensuring safe and efficient operations. This starts with rigorous research and testing during the design phase, focusing on construction, installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance.
“We are also prioritising the safety of maintenance and engineering personnel. Although the D-HUBN will be an unmanned platform, it will feature a temporary refuge equipped with emergency supplies, a fresh air supply system and fire-resistant, gas-tight seals. In the event of an emergency, staff can remain safe until evacuation by ship or helicopter is possible. Rest assured, safety will be firmly embedded in every stage of the project.”