ABS, HHI, RMI to develop world’s largest LCO2 carrier

A next-generation ultra-large liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) carrier is to be developed in a groundbreaking project between classification society ABS, shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries Group (HHI), and maritime registry Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime Administrator.

The 74,000 cbm design – presently the world’s largest LCO2 capacity – builds on the 40,000 cbm “super gap” technology developed in 2021 by HHI – which includes Hyundai Glovis, G-Marine service, and Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE).

ABS will verify the design, leading to basic design approval, with the RMI Maritime Administrator involved where design acceptance and equivalent arrangements are required.

The announcement follows the recent pioneering joint development project to advance carbon capture technologies between ABS and HHI.

ABS has awarded approval in principle (AIP) to the carbon dioxide injection platform developed by HHI Group to store carbon dioxide that has been captured on land, liquefied at high pressure, and transported to the sea through a carrier or pipeline. HHI Group has developed this platform with the goal of storing annually 400,000 tons of carbon dioxide underground in Korea’s East Sea gas field starting in 2025.

“ABS has been working across the technology needed to enable the carbon value chain with HHI and now, following the advances on the carbon capture platform, we are working on the vessels which will play such a critical role in the development of any carbon capture economy. We are proud to be able to support the development of this game-changing technology that has the potential to make a significant contribution to emissions reduction ambitions,” Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman, President and CEO, commented.

“The carbon capture/storage market is expected to grow continually and interest in ultra-large, liquefied carbon dioxide carriers is increasing. Through this development, we hope to contribute to global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality based on the … technology of Hyundai Heavy Industries Group,” Joo Won-ho, HHI Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Technical Officer, said.

“In order to achieve Korea’s national greenhouse gas reduction target (NDC) and global net zero, carbon capture and storage is essential. By developing the world’s largest liquefied carbon dioxide carrier, we will preemptively enter the relevant market and play a key role for direct and practical carbon emissions,” Kim Tae-woo, Senior Vice President and Head of Shipping Division of Hyundai Glovis, noted.

“The Republic of Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator is committed to addressing global decarbonization and sustainability targets through participation in joint projects like this that allow for collaboration. We are pleased to participate in this innovative development project at the ground level and support the review and design of technology that will provide solutions to the entire industry during this period of energy transition,” Thomas Blenk, Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator, said.

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