Global CO2 Transport Industry to Reach USD 211 Billion
The carbon capture infrastructure sector is projected to grow to USD 211 billion globally by 2060.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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A new industry forecast projects the global CO2 transport market will reach a value of USD 211 billion by 2060. The sector will support the movement of three gigatonnes of carbon dioxide annually, with 200 million tonnes crossing international borders.
Why it matters
Cross-border trade is driven by a mismatch between CO2 production volumes and available domestic storage capacity. Factors such as permitting delays and land acquisition challenges continue to complicate local pipeline development.
The Asia Pacific region is expected to account for 60% of the total investment, while repurposed gas pipelines could cut capital expenditure by more than 60%. Meanwhile, 164 million tonnes per annum of transport demand is projected for Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan by 2060.
The players
Wood Mackenzie
This is a global research and consultancy group providing data and analytics for the energy and natural resources industries.
The details
Infrastructure will rely on connecting emitters to geological storage sites via pipelines or shipping, with the latter heavily influenced by fuel and electricity costs. Utilizing low-pressure vessels could lower long-distance shipping costs by 34%, helping offset the logistical expenses of transporting carbon across borders.
Timeline
2050: Japan targets storing between 120 and 240 million tonnes of CO2 per annum.
2060: The global CO2 transport industry is projected to reach a value of USD 211 billion.
Market Landscape
The expansion of this transport network reflects the global industrial pivot toward carbon capture as a core strategy for achieving net-zero goals. This infrastructure build-out positions the Asia Pacific region as a critical hub for global carbon management services.
Rising demand for international carbon transport may shift industrial production costs for companies operating in high-emission sectors. These changes could eventually influence the retail pricing of goods as manufacturers factor in the costs of carbon management services.
The takeaway
The maturation of carbon transport systems will be essential for balancing industrial emissions with available geological storage space. Operators are increasingly looking toward repurposing existing pipeline networks as the most cost-effective method to scale these critical systems.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving energy infrastructure in our Oil and Gas section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hellenic Shipping News.
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Is investing in international CO2 transport networks a reliable strategy for reaching long-term climate goals?
