Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers AS (KNCC), a subsidiary of NYK, have initiated a collaborative study with Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. (NSY) to explore the constructability of a terminal-to-terminal liquefied CO2 (LCO2) vessel. This initiative centers on KNCC’s innovative Elevated Pressure (LCO2-EP) Cargo Tank technology. Aiming to support the growing carbon capture and storage (CCS) market, the project highlights an intriguing synergy between maritime innovation and sustainability goals.
CCS technology, a critical piece in the global fight against greenhouse gas emissions, enables CO2 capture at industrial sources such as power and chemical plants. After separation and compression, the CO2 is transported for permanent storage deep underground or beneath the sea. This method is gaining traction as a reliable way to achieve carbon neutrality, and NYK, along with KNCC and NSY, sees maritime transportation as a pivotal component of the CCS value chain.
The study focuses on a vessel with a 40,000-cbm capacity, leveraging KNCC’s modular LCO2-EP cargo tanks. These tanks, designed as vertical cylinders, promise significant advantages in scalability and cost-effectiveness. Their modular construction enables mass production using standard materials and automated processes, potentially slashing production times. By utilizing existing shipyard infrastructure, this approach also opens opportunities for broader industry involvement.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
- NYK is tasked with overall policy development and evaluating the feasibility of the project.
- KNCC brings its technical expertise, particularly in regulatory compliance and the unique LCO2-EP design.
- NSY is analyzing construction possibilities, offering insights from a shipyard’s perspective.
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing CCS infrastructure. The vessel’s constructability study marks a critical step in achieving efficient, scalable maritime transport solutions for the carbon capture industry.
Executives from all three organizations expressed optimism about the project’s potential. NYK’s Executive Officer, Tsutomu Yokoyama, described the study as a milestone in offering comprehensive LCO2 transportation solutions, complementing medium and low-pressure systems. KNCC CEO Oliver Hagen-Smith highlighted the modular design’s ability to enhance efficiency and involve more shipyards. Meanwhile, Tomoaki Takahira of NSY emphasized the importance of bringing practical CCS solutions to market.
As the maritime sector evolves to support sustainability efforts, projects like this underline the essential role of innovation in tackling global environmental challenges. By combining technological expertise with strategic collaboration, NYK, KNCC, and NSY are paving the way for a greener future.
