Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has completed a conceptual study for the design of Ammonia/Liquefied CO2 Carrier vessel capable of transporting both ammonia and liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2).
The study, conducted with Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) provides the basis for a type of vessel with potential to become mainstream in the LCO2 carrier market by flexibly meeting the projected increase in demand for transporting ammonia and LCO2. Ammonia is seen as a source of stable clean energy projected to be used widely in the future. LCO2 carriers will play an important role in the carbon dioxide capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) value chain, which is attracting attention as a means to achieve decarbonisation by providing a way to efficiently transport recovered LCO2 to storage sites and facilities.. MHI Group estimates that the volume of CO2 reduction due to CCUS will amount to 4.3 to 13.0 bn tonnes annually by 2050.
The vessel for transporting ammonia and LCO2 developed through this conceptual study is designed to carry ammonia on its outward journey, and LCO2 on the return trip. Specific carriers for each material normally run empty on their return voyage, so a ship able to handle both substances will increase operational efficiency, and contribute to enhanced transport efficiency overall.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will continue to further develop the technology based on the knowledge acquired and technical issues encountered through this project, and in cooperation with marine-related corporations and petroleum development corporations, aims to commercialise the vessel. In addition, considering the entire value chain, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will continue to develop various types of ships based on this design in order to respond flexibly to customer needs.
