The completion of the first large-capacity vessel for capturing, transporting, and storing CO2 marks a significant advancement in the shipping industry. This vessel, with a capacity of 22,000 cubic meters, is designed for charter operations and can efficiently switch between transporting liquefied CO2 (LCO2) and various gas cargos, including LPG, ammonia, and certain petrochemicals. Greece’s Capital Maritime Group has initiated a new venture named Capital Clean Energy Carriers to tap into this emerging market, initially ordering two vessels from Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in July 2023, later expanding to four. Each ship is approximately 525 feet long and features a specialized cargo system.
The first vessel, named Active, was delivered on January 6 and will begin a six-month charter transporting LPG for an energy trading firm, with a potential six-month extension. Unlike earlier LCO2 carriers tied to specific projects, these vessels are owned by a well-established tanker operator, providing them with greater cargo versatility and the ability to support various projects. Notably, they are significantly larger than the existing Northern Pioneer and similar vessels currently operating in Norway.
Capital Maritime emphasizes the growing opportunities in Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), highlighting that the current carbon capture capacity stands at about 50 million tonnes per year, with projections suggesting it could rise to approximately 430 million tonnes by 2030. As a pioneer in this sector, Capital Clean Energy Carriers aims to diversify its fleet, which includes 12 LNG transport vessels and additional carriers set to be delivered between 2026 and 2029.
