ABS, RMI grant AIP for next-gen liquified CO2 carrier designs

Liquefied CO₂ carrier designs by South Korean shipyard Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) and its parent company Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering (KSOE) have been granted approval in principle (AIP) by classification society ABS and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime Administrator.

Presented at the Gastech 2021 Conference, the AIP is the culmination of a six-month joint development project (JDP) between ABS, HMD, KSOE and RMI to research and develop next-generation liquefied CO2 carrier designs.

As informed, HMD developed a cargo containment system optimized for liquefied CO2 based on its existing gas carrier construction experience, while KSOE developed a cargo handling system with new technology to maintain a stable state without carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere.

ABS and RMI granted AIP, verifying the suitability of the IGC Code, class requirements and flag regulations for liquefied gas carriers.

“Carbon capture, utilization and storage is a rapidly developing technology with the potential to contribute significantly to global decarbonization ambitions. Shipping needs to be ready to play its part in the developing carbon supply chain with vessels capable of safe and efficient transport of CO2,” Georgios Plevrakis, ABS Director, Global Sustainability, said.

“The response to climate change will be a new opportunity for the shipbuilding industry. Through this development of a liquefied CO2 carrier, we will further enhance our competitiveness in the future eco-friendly shipbuilding market that leads carbon neutrality,” Y.J.Nam, HMD Executive Vice President, commented.

“This is the first step for realizing a CO₂ carrier, but I believe that the achievement of this JDP is a big step towards commercializing a CO₂ carrier. This is because our new design can provide a safe and cost-effective solution for CO₂ shipping, which can be an important part of the CO₂ value chain,” Byeong-Yong Yoo, KSOE Vice President, noted.

“The Republic of Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator is committed to supporting efforts to achieve global decarbonization goals. The liquid CO2 carrier is a critical component to carbon capture, utilization and storage strategies that will directly contribute to the ongoing global energy transition,” Thomas Blenk, Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, added.

Last week, ABS teamed up with another shipbuilder in Korea, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), to develop designs for a 70,000 cbm very large liquefied CO2 (LCO2) carrier.

DSME, which has previously developed a conceptual design of a 100,000 cbm LCO2 carrier, will develop a new design that can increase operational efficiency by increasing tank size.