Ultra-large LNG-fueled LCO2 carrier wins ABS’ approval

The next-generation ultra-large liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) carrier being developed by South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries Group (HHI) and Hyundai Glovis has obtained approval in principle (AiP) from classification society ABS and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime Administrator.

The 74,000 cbm design builds on the 40,000 cbm “super gap” technology developed in 2021 HHI, Hyundai Glovis, G-Marine Service and Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE).

As explained, a total of nine cylindrical tanks were applied to maximize the load carried. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueled propulsion engines were also installed in response to environmental regulations.

For this project, ABS approved the basic carrier design and the RMI Maritime Administrator provided acceptance of the design and equivalent arrangements as required.

The AiP was presented at this year’s Gastech, a global gas, LNG, hydrogen, and energy event, in Italy.

“We are proud to support the development of innovative vessels such as this carrier which have the potential to play a critical role in the burgeoning carbon value chain. ABS is committed to supporting the safe adoption of these technologies across the industry, and we are honoured to collaborate with HHI, Hyundai Glovis, KSOE, G-Marine Service, the RMI Maritime Administrator, and others who share this philosophy”, said Gareth Burton, ABS’ vice president of Technology.

Korean Register (KR) and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) are also collaborating on the development of a 40,000 cbm LCO2 featuring a next-generation cargo handling system.

The demand for vessels capable of transporting carbon dioxide at scale from emissions sources to storage sites is expected to surge as carbon capture’s role in decarbonising global industries gains on importance.

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