Mitsubishi Shipbuilding launches liquid CO2 carriers

The 236-foot vessel has a storage capacity of 1,450 m³ and will be used in carbon capture and storage demonstration projects underway for Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

The Engineering Advancement Association of Japan (ENAA), one of the recipients of the NEDO demonstration projects, will charter Sanyu Kisen’s vessel and install and operate the low-temperature-high-pressure storage system. Three other project partners, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” LINE), Nippon Gas Line and Ochanomizu University, will conduct research and development on the pressure control and stability of the LCO2 carried on the ship.

After fitting out and sea trials, the ship is scheduled for delivery later this year, and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has further developments planned for LCO2 ships. In 2021, the shipbuilder received approval in principle for its LCO2 carrier cargo tank system from Bureau Veritas.

BV has reviewed the design of the LCO2 cargo tank system and confirmed that it meets technical and regulatory requirements and safety standards. The inspection of this system was carried out based on the International Gas Carrier (IGC) Code applicable to sea-going vessels carrying LPG in bulk and BV’s ship classification regulations.

Demand for LCO2 carriers is expected to increase in the future as CO2 capture and storage attracts global attention as an effective means of decarbonization.