Approval for two types of low-pressure liquefied (LCO2) carriers has been granted by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK).
The latest Approval in Principal (AiP) by ABS and ClassNK demonstrates the increased demand for LCO2 carriers that has been caused by major carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. Such projects involve transporting CO2 that has been captured at industrial facilities in Japan to storage sites overseas.
In collaboration with Nihon Shipyard and Mitsui & Co., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is working to standardise LCO2 carriers to establish a reliable supply chain within Japan and to improve the efficiency of CCS value chains.
The newly certified low-pressure, long-distance vessels have capacities of 50,000m³ and 23,000m³. The certification includes provisions for using suitable cargo tank materials and the possibility of omitting post-welding heat treatment through an Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA) approach.
MHI remains committed to strengthening its energy transition strategies. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding is focused on advancing maritime industry standards both in Japan and globally, leveraging its marine engineering technologies. The company plans to continue developing LCO2 carriers and contributing to the CCS value chain through partnerships with both domestic and international stakeholders.
Source: MHI