ClassNK grants approval for low-pressure LCO2 carrier in Japan

Japanese classification society ClassNK has approved a concept of small-size low-pressure liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) carrier designed by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding.

GRAPHIC: Process of CO2 capture, vessel transport and storage. Global CCS Institute

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding is the shipbuilding division of Japanese conglomerate Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

A low-pressure (7 bars and -49°C) CO2 tank requires less structural reinforcement than a medium-pressure (15 bars and -28°C) tank. Medium-pressure tanks used in LCO2 carriers usually have a thicker structure, which can reduce its load capacity, according to classification society DNV.

As a result, low-pressure LCO2 transportation can allow “a larger ship tank diameter, flexibility in cargo hold arrangement, increased cargo capacities and presumably reduced transportation costs,” DNV noted.

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding's coastal LCO2 concept is designed to transport CO2 from small-scale capture sites along the Seto Inland Sea to intermediate storage sites within Japan. From there, the captured carbon will be transferred to overseas storage locations.

“The LCO2 carrier receiving the newly acquired AiP [approval in principle] is a versatile small-sized ship designed for use in domestic sea,” Mitsubishi Shipbuilding said. The company has not yet provided a timeline for the vessel’s completion.

By Konica Bhatt

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