With the first quarter of 2025 now behind us, the Aramis project has made significant progress. The permitting process is proceeding according to plan, and we remain fully committed at every stage to ensuring the quality and safety of the CCS infrastructure. It is truly impressive to see how this driven team tackles every challenge head-on, and I have every confidence for the rest of the year!

In our December newsletter, we discussed the first batch of permits, including the crucial environmental permit. We have worked closely with NGOs to critically assess Aramis’ nature-inclusive design. A number of questions were asked. For instance, how can we strengthen the North Sea’s ecosystem? What impact does the project have on specific species? How can we protect them? From birds to fish, we have considered all aspects.

The good news is that the permitting process remains on track, and we expect the final permits to be published soon. This is important not only for us but also for our customers, as our actions will impact their rates. It’s good to be able to provide clarity on this front as well.

Close collaboration
Geopolitical and economic developments continue to exert pressure on European industry. The Clean Industrial Deal, published by the European Commission on 26 February, surprisingly places less emphasis on CCS than anticipated. Nonetheless, there is a growing consensus that collaboration is key to progress. Government, industry and investors must join forces to accelerate decarbonisation and safeguard industrial competitiveness. This shared goal is uniting stakeholders and driving the transition forward.

Quality and safety
In the fast-evolving world of CCS, two factors maintain our constant focus: quality and safety. Our carefully managed tender process ensures the selection of suitable contractors. Through value engineering, we make smart, sustainable design choices while maintaining the highest safety standards. And this summer, we will enter the review phase, where external experts will rigorously assess our work, providing an additional layer of quality control to validate the design and strengthen the project. By embedding strict safeguards, we will not only deliver a safe and resilient infrastructure but also reinforce trust in our approach.

We are working towards the Final Investment Decision, marking the end of the FEED phase — a critical milestone where many pieces of the puzzle need to come together. I am incredibly proud of the team for staying driven and motivated, even under pressure. We make a point of celebrating our successes and maintaining a positive work environment, whether by marking major milestones or battling it out over a board game. Energy and teamwork make all the difference. We are moving full speed ahead towards safe, sustainable and future-proof CO₂ storage!

Annemarie Manger
Programme Director Aramis