Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, Nihon Shipyard to explore development of LCO2 carrier

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, and Nihon Shipyard Co., a Tokyo-based joint venture for ship design and sales between Imabari Shipbuilding Co. and Japan Marine United Corporation, have started a joint study for the development of an ocean-going liquified CO₂ (LCO₂) carrier. 

As informed, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will take advantage of the knowledge and advanced gas handling technology that it has gained in designing and constructing liquified gas carriers (liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and liquified natural gas (LNG) carriers).

For its role in this initiative, in addition to conventional shipbuilding centered on manufacturing, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding aims to use its marine engineering technologies rooted in shipbuilding to contribute to the development of the maritime industry in Japan and in the world.

Through collaboration with multiple Japanese shipping companies and domestic/overseas energy companies, along with the construction of demonstration ships for the transport of LCO₂, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding is actively pursuing the development of LCO₂ carriers and commercialization of LCO₂ shipping.

Recently, Shimonoseki Shipyard of Japan’s Mitsubishi Shipbuilding hosted a keel laying ceremony for the hull of the demonstration test ship for liquefied CO2 transportation. The newbuild is expected to be the world’s first LCO2 carrier intended specifically for carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), according to Mitsubishi.

Meanwhile, Nihon Shipyard, in anticipation of future regulations restricting CO₂ emissions, is proactively working toward the commercialization of LNG and ammonia-fueled ships. The company, together with its partners, has recently marked a milestone in the construction of the world’s first four-stroke ammonia-fueled (NH3-fueled) engine.

This project is part of its next initiative, where the company is considering the potential for LCO₂ carriers, aiming to further solidify its leading position in the industry.

The shipyard is pursuing this project to complete the vessel’s construction from 2027 onwards.