Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR) have awarded Design Approval to Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) for the development of the world’s first 30,000m3 liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2)carrier.
The new carrier will incorporate a new type of steel in its tanks, supporting greater efficiencies in the carbon capture and storage (CCS) value chain. LR will provide advice and guidance on technical regulations and the development of a Type C storage tank using the new material. When built, the carrier will transport liquefied CO2 under pressure, allowing carbon captured to be transported to storage facilities. Liberian Flag Administration will liaise with LR to formalise the approval and provide the required certification to allow the LCO2 Carrier to enter into service.
The steel used in the Type C LCO2 tank construction will make scantling lighter whilst keeping the tanks’ structural integrity intact. This innovation allows an upscale in the size of the LCO2 carrier, improving storage and transportation, something shipbuilders were not able to do with more conventional materials.
Andy McKeran, LR CCO, said: “This Design Approval shows LR’s expertise in supporting the advance of ground-breaking marine projects in a safe, sustainable way. This vessel will be a key piece of infrastructure in the carbon capture and storage value chain, helping remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, supporting the progress to a net zero carbon economy.”
Thomas Klenum, EVP Liberian Registry, said: “This innovative LCO2 Carrier design utilising new materials for the cargo tanks is an industry first and will play a vital role in our pursuit for global decarbonisation through carbon capture and storage. The Liberian Registry appreciates the great collaboration with HMD and LR in this project that once again demonstrates international collaboration is essential to unlock the potential for innovative solutions to decarbonise.”
Chan-il Kim, SVP HMD, said: “This is the first result of the JDP of new steel for liquefied CO2 carrier signed in August 2021, allowing us to design and build more economical and efficient carriers. The developed new material has been examined and approved based on the mechanical properties experiment and engineering assessment. We are very pleased to share the result of this development show as we prepare to build customised economical liquefied CO2 Carriers”.
Ship manager Capital Gas Ship Management has joined this venture with HMD and LR, advising on operational and commercial matters relating to the project for LCO2 carrier design development.
Miltos Zisis, MD Capital Gas, said: “We are excited to pioneer together with LR and HMD this innovative LCO2 Carrier design. We see the move to the transportation of CO2, as a natural extension of our existing commercial and technical management expertise, which underlines our commitment to playing a significant role in the carbon value chain and the advance of decarbonisation of the shipping industry and beyond”.
HMD has already developed three different LCO2 carriers to flexibly respond to the market demands in terms of different business models in the CO2 value chain, which include 12,000m3 LCO2 carrier with high pressure cargo tanks, 22,000m3 LCO2 carrier with low pressure cargo tanks and 30,000m3 LCO2 carrier with low pressure cargo tanks.
