Lloyd’s Register (LR) will class the first newbuild project for mid-size low pressure ammonia-ready liquefied CO2 (LCO2) carriers ordered by Capital Gas Ship Management at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard.
The project follows a collaboration between Capital, HMD, and LR, which LR considers will pave the way for further orders of LCO2 carriers, a crucial component to supporting the wider carbon capture and storage value chain.
The two 22,000m3 low-pressure LCO2 carriers, will have the capability to carry LPG and ammonia (NH3) with ammonia dual fuel readiness and are scheduled to be delivered in 2025 and 2026.
The two new carriers will be developed for Capital’s gas carrier fleet and when built will transport liquefied CO2 under pressure. The design will allow CO2 from the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) process to be transported to storage facilities in larger quantities for sequestration or further usage.
The vessels will be equipped with IMO Type C storage tanks which feature lighter scantling that maintains the tanks’ structural integrity. 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. These ships featuring innovative materials will allow for lighter low-pressure Type C tanks, while the advanced cargo handling system will be able to accommodate trades in the CO2, NH3, and LPG supply chains.
With Capital advising on operational and commercial matters relating to LCO2 carrier design development, the collaboration builds upon LR’s long-standing relationship with Capital, which among others includes a pilot research project into the use of biofuels on the Capital Ship Management managed crude tanker Apollonas and Capital’s involvement in HD HMD and LR’s project for a 30,000m3 LCO2 tanker. Following previous work on the LNG and ammonia value chains, this project marks LR and Capital Group’s collaboration in all the major gas value chains including LNG, LPG CO2, and NH3, making Capital Gas Ship Management Corp. the only operator globally with investments in all major gas value chains.
Andy McKeran, LR CCO said: “LR is pleased to enter into this joint venture with Capital and HMD to build two mid-size low-pressure ammonia-ready LCO2 Carriers. This constitutes a key milestone project for the CO2 value chain conveying the right message to hard-to-abate sectors that rely on CCUS for their transition. This ambitious project represents a fusion of diligent planning and innovative execution from our technical team. Our collaboration with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard and LR reaffirms the importance we place on top-tier partners, who reflect our own commitment to excellence.”
