Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), its group shipping company Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers (KNCC), and Japanese steel supplier JFE Shoji have completed a feasibility study confirming production facilities, production capacity, and the costs for steel materials used for the manufacturing of elevated pressure LCO2-EP Cargo Tanks.
The tanks may be used as LCO2 carrier cargo tanks as well as onshore temporary storage tanks required for LCO2 transportation using the elevated pressure (EP) mode. The companies now have a clear prospect of establishing a stable supply of steel materials within the Asian region.
Based on the memorandum of understanding on strategic partnership for CO2 capture and storage (CCS) signed in March 2024, the three companies have been studying the establishment of a stable and large-volume supply network for the tanks. Joint development will continue for early implementation of CCS projects.
The LCO2-EP system stores and transports CO2 at ambient temperature and elevated pressure conditions (0-10°C, 35-45 bar), making it easy to handle CO2 and reducing the carbon footprint and costs throughout the CCS value chain. Because relatively little energy is required for the heating and pressurisation process before CO2 is liquefied and pressurised into the reservoir, the carbon footprint and costs are expected to be reduced throughout the CCS value chain.
The tanks are made of versatile carbon steel and can be produced using automatic welding machines at existing large-diameter steel pipe manufacturing facilities, making it possible to establish large-scale manufacturing and supply system with a short delivery time and low cost.
Image: KNCC liquid CO2 carrier with LCO2-EP tanks (source: Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers)
