Japanese LCO2 carrier concepts get ABS and ClassNK nod

A Japanese consortium, led by shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), has obtained approval in principle (AiP) from classification societies ABS and ClassNK for two types of low-pressure type liquefied CO2 (LCO2) carrier concepts.

PHOTO: AiP presentation ceremony held at Gastech 2024. MOL

The AiP has been awarded for the design concepts of two large LCO2 carriers, with capacities of 50,000-cbm and 23,000-cbm, MOL said. The vessels will serve long-distance ocean voyages.

This approval assumes appropriate cargo tank material to replace the nickel steel previously considered, MOL said. It also confirms that the LCO2 carrier designs meet the safety, environmental, and technical standards for transporting LCO2.

“This AiP is a step toward standardizing hull designs, which is necessary in order to realize a sufficient number of liquefied CO2 carriers to meet such demand,” ClassNK said in a statement.

The concept is part of a larger collaboration between MOL, compatriot shipping firm NYK Line, transportation company Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line), shipbuilders Nihon Shipyard and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, as well as technology firm Mitsui & Co., and maritime conglomerate Mitsubishi Corporation.

The demand for LCO2 carriers is expected to grow over time, “in tandem with various CCS (Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage) projects involving the transportation of CO2 captured in Japan to storage sites located overseas,” MOL said.

With this project, the consortium aims to create a comprehensive maritime transport system for liquid carbon dioxide.

By Aparupa Mazumder

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