Innovative CO2 Carrier Design gets Approval to Advance CCUS Solutions

Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers, a subsidiary of NYK and Knutsen Group, has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from ClassNK for its designs of liquefied CO2 carriers and a floating liquefied storage facility. These developments are part of the company’s efforts to contribute to the emerging CCUS (Carbon capture, utilization, and storage) sector. While CCUS is seen as crucial for achieving carbon neutrality, challenges such as reducing costs and securing land for facilities still need to be addressed for large-scale operations.

In January 2022, Knutsen and NYK launched a joint venture company focusing on the commercial development of a liquefied CO2 marine transportation and storage business. They are exploring the use of the elevated pressure (EP) method to store and transport liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) at ambient temperature. By incorporating a Floating Liquefied Storage Unit (FLSU) with the vessels, they aim to reduce costs and land requirements in the CCUS value chain, thus expanding the possibilities for realizing CCUS.

ClassNK has reviewed the design of the ship that will utilize LCO2-EP Cargo Tank technology developed by Knutsen for stable transport of LCO2 at ambient temperatures and elevated pressures. This technology eliminates the need to cool LCO2 to cryogenic temperatures, making it easier to handle and potentially reducing energy and costs during liquefaction. Construction studies for the vessel began in December 2024, with collaboration between NYK, KNCC, and ENEOS Xplora on the FLSU concept combining LCO2-EP Cargo Tank technology with the Isenthalpic Expansion Cooling & Liquefaction Process.

As the first commercial CO2 transport and storage operations, such as Northern Lights, are set to begin this summer, other projects in the UK, Denmark, and Europe are also progressing. Royal Wandborg is constructing the EasyMax CO2 carrier, the first in Europe, to meet the growing demand in the market. The development of these concepts and technologies reflects the industry’s commitment to advancing CCUS solutions for a sustainable future.

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