Objective As a critical component of the carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology system, CO₂ transportation plays a key role in promoting the efficient operation of CCUS systems. Establishing integrated CO₂ transportation systems based on the technical characteristics and development trends of various CO₂ transportation modes is of profound significance. This approach can optimize CO₂ transportation efficiency and reduce costs, thereby providing robust support for economic transformation towards low carbon and aiding in the global goal of carbon emission reduction.

Methods Different CO₂ transportation modes were evaluated and analyzed, including both land and waterway methods, in terms of applicability, key implementation points, and development trends, based on an investigation of the technical status of CO₂ transportation systems. The subsequent analysis focused on the landscape of CCUS technology across various industrial fields and its commercial applications in different countries, drawing on a review of the study progress of CCS(Carbon Capture and Storage)/CCUS projects both in China and abroad. Additionally, the challenges and opportunities encountered in the development of CO₂ transportation systems were presented, along with an overview of the current CCS/CCUS policy frameworks. From the perspective of systematic planning regarding CO₂ storage and transportation techniques, as well as policies and regulations, the concluding section offered feasible recommendations for the development and application of CO₂ transportation systems in the context of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.

Results Global engineering practices in CCUS systems indicated challenges associated with trans-regional CO₂ transportation, including technological, infrastructural, and policy-related issues. The limitations on land storage capacity, combined with the growing demand for offshore storage, presented new opportunities for the development of CCUS systems in China. Therefore, the following suggestions were proposed for advancing efforts in this field: (1) accurately estimate the sub-seafloor CO₂ storage capacity and establish evaluation criteria for storage space suitable for industrial applications; (2) strengthen the research and development of risk assessment and monitoring technologies for CO₂ storage, and implement measures to enhance the safety and reliability of CO₂ storage; (3) construct multimodal CO₂ transportation systems that integrate both sea and land modes, and optimize transportation efficiency while reducing costs; (4) enhance policy support related to CCS/CCUS and promote the large-scale application of CCUS technology.

Conclusion For the future development of CCUS technology in China, it is recommended to accelerate the engineering implementation, optimize the project layout for offshore storage, and select CO₂ storage terminals based on scientific criteria. Additionally, it is important to build flexible and integrated CO₂ transportation systems and encourage enterprises to participate in the development of CCUS engineering technology by enhancing supervision and implementing carbon tax incentive policies. These efforts aim to support China’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality.