Germany's First Operational CO2 Export Terminal
CarbonBridge is poised to be more than just Germany’s first operational CO2 export terminal – it aims to be a versatile provider of CO2 logistics solutions. Whether it’s storage, transport, or loading, we tailor our services to meet your individual requirements, ensuring flexibility and efficiency every step of the way.
Efficient CCS
Logistic with
CarbonBridge
Ambrian Energy & Messer founded CarbonBridge, Germany’s first operational CO2 Export Terminal. This state-of-the-art energy infrastructure project is designed with scalable capacity to meet future demands.
Location
Strategically located on our premises in Bremen adjacent to our existing hub, our CO2 export terminal offers excellent connectivity to the national railway network, ensuring seamless access from across the German hinterland. Our location facilitates efficient and reliable transportation routes, making CarbonBridge a central link in Germany’s carbon management network.
Experience
CarbonBridge is not just a CO2 export terminal. Leveraging Ambrian Energy’s more than 50 years of expertise in hazardous and liquid goods handling and logistics management along with Messer’s know-how in carbon capture, we offer a comprehensive suite of services.
Services
These include CO2 loading and unloading, rigorous testing, and intermediate storage solutions meticulously tailored for emitters in hard-to-abate industries like cement production, waste incineration and lime manufacturing.
Two Companies.
One Shared Ambition.
CarbonBridge is built on complementary expertise, established infrastructure and long-term commitment. Ambrian Energy and Messer combine their capabilities to develop scalable CO2 logistics infrastructure and dependable solutions for hard-to-abate industries. Together, both partners provide the operational, technological and financial foundation required to develop CarbonBridge for the long term.
Ambrian Energy
Energy & logistics
More than 50 years of experience and established terminal infrastructure directly at the port of Bremen.
Industrial gases & CO2 expertise
International expertise in CO2 recovery, process engineering and industrial gas technologies.
What is CCS?
(Carbon Capture Utilization & Storage)
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a process that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at their source and stores the captured CO2 underground, preventing it from entering the atmosphere and contributing to global warming. The EU has enshrined its commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 in law. Industrial companies therefore face increasing requirements to significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon Bridge in the CCS Value Chain
Carbon source point
CO2 emissions are primarily generated from industrial processes or power plants. These sources produce significant amounts of CO2 that need to be managed to mitigate environmental impact.
Carbon capture & local storage
At the point of emission, CO2 is captured using technologies that separate it from other gases. The captured CO2 is then liquefied and stored temporarily at a local facility.
Provided by partners such as Messer.
Transport from source point
From the local storage, the liquefied CO2 is transported to a central CO2 export terminal. Transport can be facilitated by rail, pipeline, or vessels, ensuring efficient movement of CO2.
Intermediate external storage
The CO2 export terminal acts as an intermediate storage facility where CO2 is temporarily held before further transportation. The hub streamlines connections and prepares CO2 for the next phase of its journey.
Transport to location
CO2 is then transported from the CO2 export terminal to offshore storage facilities. Flexible transport routes, such as pipelines or vessels, are essential for ensuring smooth and efficient delivery.
Storage or utilization
Finally, the CO2 is injected deep underground into geological formations like depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers. This secure storage prevents CO2 from escaping into the atmosphere.
Key Benefits of CarbonBridge
- Lower volume requirements allow the CO2 export terminal to begin operations more easily and sooner, without relying on a CO2 pipeline being available in time.
- The entire project is situated on land owned by Ambrian Energy within Bremen's industrial port next to the existing Ambrian facilities.
- The facility will feature a fully dedicated train unloading structure, enabling rapid train turnarounds and optimised operations.
- The CO2 export terminal will include up to 55,000 cubic meters of dedicated storage capacity, with the flexibility to expand as needed.
- A jetty with a 10.5-meter draft will accommodate larger vessels in the future, increasing operational efficiency and throughput.
- Future proof with scalable capacity and provisions for future pipeline connection points have been integrated into the design to ensure long-term adaptability.
Why Is CarbonBridge the Right Partner for You?
Leveraging Rail Connectivity
Transporting captured CO2 is a significant challenge. Although plans for a CO2 pipeline network exist, commercial commissioning faces delays due to lengthy planning and permitting processes.
Rail Transport Solution: Rail transport can bridge the gap left by the lack of pipeline infrastructure. It offers a more flexible and faster solution than pipelines, leveraging existing railheads and infrastructure.
The city of Bremen has a well-connected railway network that can be utilized immediately, accelerating the timeline for realizing CO2 inbound transport to CarbonBridge.
Further, at Ambrian, we are experts in railway transport and can always ensure precise metering and safe unloading of CO2 from tank wagon trains.
Flexible Ship Loading Facilities
The CO2 held in the planned storage capacity of up to 55,000 m³ in total must be transported by ship to offshore storage sites.
Flexible Vessel Loading: Our facility is capable of handling various ship sizes up to 30,000 tons. A dedicated jetty with a 10.5-meter draft will accommodate larger vessels in the future, enhancing operational efficiency and throughput. This flexibility will enable CarbonBridge to manage different ship sizes, effectively catering to our clients’ diverse fleets.
A Reliable Partner
With Ambrian and Messer as the founders of CarbonBridge, the two family-owned companies bring in more than 50 years of experience in their respective industries. We are set to make the CarbonBridge project a reality in Bremen. Leveraging our experience, financial strength, and strategic land ownership, we will connect CO2 emitters with permanent storage providers.
Expertise and Experience
Ambrian delivers a solid track record in fuel distribution and brings in extensive knowledge of handling dangerous products to the forefront of the CarbonBridge project. Messer draws on decades of experience in the field of CO2 recovery. As a global player, Messer is able to offer all aspects of the Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) value chain from a single source. Messer has already installed more than 90 plants worldwide, which are among the most proven and scalable CO2 recovery systems available.
Strategic Land Ownership and Location
Our established hub at the
Bremen port, coupled with adjacent land ownership, reduces investment costs and expedites project implementation.
Quick Summary
The CarbonBridge project leverages Bremen’s strong rail connectivity to offer a flexible and fast alternative to delayed CO2 pipeline infrastructure. With extensive experience in hazardous goods logistics, Ambrian ensures safe and precise C02 handling via rail. At the port of Bremen, owned land and an adaptable ship loading facility – handling vessels up to 30,000 tons – enable efficient transfer to offshore storage. This strategic setup allows for rapid implementation and reliable operation.
Contribution to the
Developement of the City of Bremen
Connecting Today’s Industries with Tomorrow’s Climate Goals
Carbon Capture for Hard-to-Abate Industries
Carbon capture is emerging as a pivotal tool in the global effort to decarbonize industries. Under the ambitious framework of the EU Green Deal, industries are tasked with achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This is particularly challenging for hard-to-abate sectors such as cement production and waste incineration, where decarbonization is crucial for meeting the Green Deal’s targets.
As stated by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in 2020, “CCUS is the only group of technologies that contributes both to reducing emissions in key sectors directly and to removing CO2 to balance emissions that cannot be avoided – a critical part of ‘net’ zero goals.”
Carbon capture works by trapping carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from hard to abate industries before they enter the atmosphere, thus playing a vital role in mitigating climate change and alleviating the impact of fossil fuel combustion.
What CarbonBridge will contribute
CarbonBridge is set to play an indispensable role in the carbon capture and storage (CCS) value chain. Once CO2 is captured, it needs efficient transportation from its point of origin to offshore sequestration sites.
CarbonBridge fulfills this need by facilitating the transport of captured CO2 to Bremen by rail, before loading it onto ships for its journey to offshore storage sites.
Ensuring Safety and Sustainability
Research indicates that the CCS value chain is considered safe, with a low risk of leakage. Findings from Helmholtz in 2025 suggest that annual CO2 leakage could be minimal, occurring mostly at old boreholes but preventable with proper cementing techniques. The likelihood of leakage is highest during the injection process in to the sequestration sites offshore, but pressure stabilizes once the site is closed, allowing CO2 to gradually dissolve in the geological formation’s water over centuries.
Infrastructure to transport and store CO2 safely and reliably is essential for rolling out CCUS technologies (IEA, 2020). Research indicates that appropriate site selection, monitoring, safety measures and regulatory oversight can reduce environmental risks.
At CarbonBridge, we aim to apply high safety standards and limit specific environmental impacts associated with our operations. This commitment ensures that we not only advance technological innovation but also uphold responsibility towards our planet’s future.
Sources:
International Energy Agency (IEA). (2020). CCUS in Clean Energy Transitions: Special Report on Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage. Paris: IEA.
https://www.iea.org/reports/ccus-in-clean-energy-transitions
Helmholtz Climate Initiative. (n.d.). Mitigation – Projects. Retrieved July 23, 2025, from https://helmholtz‑klima.de/en/
Layout Details
Explore the CarbonBridge Terminal
CarbonBridge will have three parallel unloading tracks
Each track will be able to unload 18 railcars simultaneously
Unloading operations for a full train of 36 railcars will be completed in under 4 hours
Operations will run 24/7
Maximum daily unloading capacity: 12.500 m³
Max unloading capacity per year: >3 mln m³
Location of CarbonBridge
Bremen is the most southern seaport in Germany and well connected to the German railway system. CarbonBridge is located close to several large staging track areas offering efficient buffering for incoming and outgoing trains.
CarbonBridge Services
Buffer Storage
Excluding on-shore transportation to Bremen
Carbon source point
Carbon capture & local storage
Transport from source point
External buffer storage
Transport to destination
Storage or utilization
Included services
Testing and unloading the trains DAP Bremen, intermediate CO2 storing including cooling, sea cargo loading FOB Bremen.
Client responsibilities
Manage railway logistics to transport CO2 to Bremen and arrange seagoing cargo.
Transport +
Buffer Storage
Including on-shore transportation to Bremen
Carbon source point
Carbon capture & local storage
Transport from source point
External buffer storage
Transport to destination
Storage or utilization
Included services
On-shore transport management to Bremen FCA Client’s Location, intermediate CO2 storing including cooling, sea cargo loading FOB Bremen.
Client responsibilities
Metering, inspection and loading of CO2 onto the train and arrange seagoing cargo.
Always included
Support across both packagesStorage site selection
Offer consultation on selecting appropriate storage sites.
Railway and off-shore operations
Provide expert guidance on managing logistics, including specific requirements for loading arms.
Necessary documents
Supply essential documents, such as test results, for CDR- and BECCS crediting.
Direct communication
Assist with direct communications with storage facilities and transport service providers to ensure smooth operations.
Logistic solutions
Transport by rail
Transport by ship
Transport by pipeline
CarbonBridge Timeline
End of feasibility study
Preparatory planning phase (Pre-FEED)
Preparation of the permitting process
FEED activities
Permitting
FEED activities
Financial close
Start of construction
Construction works
Commissioning
Got questions?
We’ve compiled the most common questions about CarbonBridge, CCS technology, and what makes our project unique.
What is CCS and why is it important?
CCS stands for “Carbon Capture and Storage”. It’s a technology designed to capture and store CO2 emissions from industrial processes and power generation before they reach the atmosphere. CCS is crucial because it helps mitigate the impacts of climate change and supports the transition to a low-carbon economy.
How does CO2 storage work?
CO2 storage involves two main steps: First, CO2 is captured directly from sources like power plants or industrial facilities. Second, the captured CO2 is safely stored in underground geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas fields or deep aquifers. These storage sites are carefully chosen to ensure that the CO2 remains securely trapped.
Which industries benefit from CarbonBridge?
Industries that can particularly benefit from Carbon Bridge are those with high CO2 emissions and limited options for emission reductions. These include energy generation, cement production, steel manufacturing, the chemical industry, and refineries. CCS can help these sectors reduce CO2 emissions that are difficult to avoid through other measures.
How safe is CO2 storage?
CO2 storage is considered safe when carried out in controlled geological formations, complemented by rigorous monitoring systems that prevent unwanted leaks or releases. Extensive research and practical experience support the safety of CO2 storage. Additionally, all processes are overseen and regulated by national and international guidelines.
When does operation start?
The CCS facility is scheduled to begin operations in 2031. Before launching, comprehensive tests and evaluations are conducted to ensure all systems and processes operate efficiently and safely.
Is CarbonBridge authorized to construct and operate the CO2 Terminal in Bremen?
CarbonBridge will obtain all necessary construction and operating permits from the City of Bremen before starting construction. We are committed to complying with all legal requirements and environmental standards throughout both the construction and operational phases of the terminal.
How can I become a partner?
Companies or organizations interested in partnering can contact our team at contact@carbonbridge.de. We welcome partnerships with industry leaders, research institutions, and other relevant stakeholders.
Got questions?
We’ve compiled the most common questions about CarbonBridge, CCS technology, and what makes our project unique.
What is CCS and why is it important?
CCS stands for “Carbon Capture and Storage”. It’s a technology designed to capture and store CO2 emissions from industrial processes and power generation before they reach the atmosphere. CCS is crucial because it helps mitigate the impacts of climate change and supports the transition to a low-carbon economy.
How does CO2 storage work?
CO2 storage involves two main steps: First, CO2 is captured directly from sources like power plants or industrial facilities. Second, the captured CO2 is safely stored in underground geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas fields or deep aquifers. These storage sites are carefully chosen to ensure that the CO2 remains securely trapped.
Which industries benefit from CarbonBridge?
Industries that can particularly benefit from Carbon Bridge are those with high CO2 emissions and limited options for emission reductions. These include energy generation, cement production, steel manufacturing, the chemical industry, and refineries. CCS can help these sectors reduce CO2 emissions that are difficult to avoid through other measures.
How safe is CO2 storage?
CO2 storage is considered safe when carried out in controlled geological formations, complemented by rigorous monitoring systems that prevent unwanted leaks or releases. Extensive research and practical experience support the safety of CO2 storage. Additionally, all processes are overseen and regulated by national and international guidelines.
When does operation start?
The CCS facility is scheduled to begin operations in 2031. Before launching, comprehensive tests and evaluations are conducted to ensure all systems and processes operate efficiently and safely.
Is CarbonBridge authorized to construct and operate the CO2 Terminal in Bremen?
CarbonBridge will obtain all necessary construction and operating permits from the City of Bremen before starting construction. We are committed to complying with all legal requirements and environmental standards throughout both the construction and operational phases of the terminal.
How can I become a partner?
Companies or organizations interested in partnering can contact our team at contact@carbonbridge.de. We welcome partnerships with industry leaders, research institutions, and other relevant stakeholders.
CarbonBridge
Contact Us
Do you have questions or want to explore a partnership? Talk to our team about your project and the opportunities at CarbonBridge.
CarbonBridge · Windhukstraße 1–3, 28237 Bremen, Germany
