Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding have received approval in principle from CLassNK for a ‘world-first’ dual-purpose liquefied CO2 and methanol carrier. The integration of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) and synthetic fuel supply chains through a dual-cargo configuration addresses inefficiencies in the maritime transport of CO2 and methanol by eliminating empty return voyages.
Approval has been granted by ClassNK for a vessel concept that can transport liquefied CO2 (LCO2) on outbound voyages and synthetic methanol on the return leg. The vessel’s design is based on a low-pressure LCO2 carrier, modified to comply with both the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) and the International Bulk Chemical (IBC) Code. ClassNK has confirmed the vessel’s compliance with these regulatory frameworks, thereby supporting the feasibility of the concept in terms of safety and regulatory compliance.
The project aligns with MOL’s group decarbonisation strategy and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ (MHI) objectives to expand its presence in energy transition markets. In 2024, MOL acquired a stake in HIF Global, a Texas-based synthetic fuel company, which plans to produce 150,000 barrels synthetic methanol per day by 2035. This will use 25 million tonnes of captured CO2 and renewable electricity for hydrogen generation.
MOL’s investment in HIF Global was made through its wholly owned subsidiary, MOL Clean Energy US LLC. HIF is developing synthetic fuel and e-methanol production projects across the United States, Chile, Uruguay, and Australia, with a combined target of approximately 4 million tonnes of e-fuel and e-methanol annually. The company is initially focused on the production of e-gasoline and e-methanol, with future plans for synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) and synthetic chemicals. In March, MOL signed an MoU with HIF and Idemitsu Kosan to jointly develop supply chains for e-fuels and CO2. MOL has stated that this investment will support the decarbonisation of all forms of mobility, including maritime transport.
The circular supply chain envisioned by the project depends on the effective deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. MHI will equip the capture facilities with its KS-21 solvent-based system, which is designed to reduce environmental impact and solvent degradation. This technology is applicable across a range of industrial facilities, including LNG liquefaction plants, steelworks, biomass power generation, and waste incineration. MHI has identified the Drax biomass power plant in the UK as a reference project.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will now progress to the detailed design phase, building on the outcomes of the concept study, with the goal of commercialising the LCO2/methanol carrier in collaboration with partners across the CCUS and synthetic fuel value chains.
