Norway’s Largest Climate Initiative “Longship” Sets Sail
This summer marked a historic milestone for climate innovation in Norway with the official launch of Longship (Langskip in Norwegian) — the country’s most ambitious climate initiative to date. As the first of its kind, the cross-border, open-source CO2 transport and storage infrastructure network Longship project represents a bold step toward reducing industrial emissions and reaching net-zero targets.
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The Longship Launch Event, organized by the Ministry of Energy and held at the Oslo Opera House, brought together key figures from science, government, and industry. To illustrate the science underpinning geological carbon storage the UiB-led PoroTwin project (see Fact box) team conducted a live CO2 demonstration and its digital twin which integrates real-time experimental data with advanced simulation and control tools to enhance the understanding and management of subsurface flow processes.
Prof. Martin Fernø giving a live demonstration of the FluidFlower.
For the official Longship Launch Event, the PoroTwin team built a custom physical model inspired by geological interpretations of seismic data from the Northern Lights CO₂ storage site offshore Norway. Constructed from unconsolidated sands, the model replicates key features of the subsurface formations and was designed specifically for this demonstration. Using this setup, the team showcased how CO₂ can be injected and securely stored deep beneath the Earth's surface. The demonstration offered a rare glimpse into the hidden physics of subsurface carbon storage—a critical component in evaluating long-term safety and performance.
A highlight of the day was the visit from H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon, who, together with Minister of Energy Terje Aasland and Mayor of Oslo Anne Lindboe, initiated the live CO₂ injection and engaged directly with the researchers. The FluidFlower setup demonstrated the long-term dynamics of CO₂ storage and visualize how injected CO₂ may behave over decades, emphasizing the importance of both simulation and experimentation in developing safe and effective storage solutions. The royal visit underscored the growing recognition of digital twin technologies and interdisciplinary research as key tools in tackling climate challenges.
(From left) H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon, Minister of Energy Terje Aasland and Mayor of Oslo Anne Lindboe learning about the digital twin technologies from Prof. Martin Fernø.
Several master’s students in Reservoir and Geoenergy Engineering at the University of Bergen attended the event alongside academic staff. Students Augusto Rios Muñoz and Nathaly Salome Garzon Ramos shared their reflections:
“My experience at the project’s launch event was deeply rewarding,” said Augusto. “It allowed me to witness firsthand the real impact of such initiatives and the potential they hold for driving progress toward sustainable societies.”
“It was truly inspiring to see so many leaders in their fields come together to collaborate on ambitious projects that will benefit the world,” Nathaly added. “The Crown Prince listened attentively to our explanation of the technology, and seeing our efforts and ideas for environmental protection translated into real-world action was incredibly motivating. It truly underscored the vital role that universities and research centers play in creating sustainable, economically viable solutions to global problems.”
We look forward to what’s next for Longship and the entire CCS community!
The PoroTwin research team and UiB MSc students at the Opera, together with industry partners. Left to right: Sten Rasmussen (Northern Lights), Kristoffer Eikehaug (UiB), Jacquelin Cobos (UiB), Emil Bang Larsen (UiB), Geir Terje Eigestad (Harbour Energy), Florian Stadtmann (Sintef Digital), Martin Fernø (UiB), Eva Halland (CCUS Norway), Kjetil Johannessen (Sintef Digital), Augusto Muñoz (UiB), Humberto Castillo (UiB), Nathaly Ramos (UiB)