Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has been granted approval in Principal (AiP)* from the Japanese classification society ClassNK to collaborate with Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) in the joint development of CO2 transport technology for liquefied CO2 (LCO2) carriers.
The collaboration resolves technical issues, aiming for cargo tanks not to demand as specific of parameters as now. The current technology system depends strongly on the condition of liquefied CO2, such as their temperature and pressure. The action that is considered vital in the technical development of cargo tanks fixes the demand for perfection. Instead, it requires an increase in the size of cargo tank systems and hulls for future mass transportation, which is considered vital in the technical development of cargo tanks.
After considering different tank pressure settings for medium and large vessels, the feasibility and compliance with regulations and standards were confirmed for each cargo tank system and hull section, leading to the granting of the AiP.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is working to develop further and strengthen the energy transition business, while Mitsubishi Shipbuilding works to promote the development and commercialization of LCO2 carriers. MHI’s partner in CO2 development, NYK Line, is collaborating with the MHI Group to achieve the early realization of not only small and medium-sized vessels but large LCO2 carriers as well.
NYK Line presumes that the establishment of CO2 transport technology by large vessels could significantly add to the potential reality of a carbon-neutral society and will continue this effort by also studying the design of the LCO2 carrier for each project, including further enlargement of the size of vessels.
The two companies will continue to conspire, using each other’s strengths to build the potential for a greater tomorrow. They both plan to advance the joint development that is currently underway. Through their newly granted AiP, they’ll continue to make efforts to develop various technologies, including LCO2 carriers, which are necessary for building the CCUS value chain and contributing to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
*AiP: Approval in Principle (AiP) indicates that a certification body has reviewed the basic design and confirmed that it meets the technical requirements and standards for safety. The inspection of this system was conducted based on the IGC Code that applies to marine vessels that transport liquefied gas in bulk and NK’s ship classification regulations.
