Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. has obtained approval in principle (AiP) to build low-pressure type liquefied CO2 (LCO2) carriers for coastal transportation in Japan.
According to the approval issued on 3 February by the Japanese classification society ClassNK, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co will partner with Nippon Gas Line to develop its concept for an LCO2 carrier vessel.
Feasibility study and CCS expansion
This AiP follows an extensive concept study conducted by the two firms to evaluate the feasibility of transporting CO2 from small-scale capture sites in the Seto Inland Sea region to storage bases for eventual shipment overseas.
The initiative is part of the Japanese Advanced Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Projects under the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC).
Designed for domestic coastal operations, the newly certified LCO2 carrier is a compact, versatile vessel for consolidating CO2 products from multiple smaller sources.
The project aligns with Japan’s general strategy of boosting business efficiency in CCS through optimized shipment scales and strategic transport solutions.
Apart from this coastal initiative, Nippon Gas Line is participating in the CCS Engineering Design Work in Sarawak, Malaysia.
This project aims to build an international CO2 transport scheme using highly adaptable small-sized LCO2 carriers, enhancing Japan’s role in the global CCS supply chain.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co has been advancing its capabilities in maritime engineering to support energy transition initiatives, incorporating expertise in shipbuilding with emerging CCS technologies.
The company is actively partnering with domestic and international stakeholders to promote liquefied CO2 carrier development and establish efficient CO2 transport networks.
Past collaborations and future developments
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding’s progress in LCO2 carrier innovation includes past collaborations with Nihon Shipyard for ocean-going CO2 transport solutions and NYK for multi-purpose vessels capable of carrying CO2 and ammonia.
The latest AiP for the low-pressure coastal carrier further underscores Japan’s commitment to a scalable and efficient CCS infrastructure.
Following this approval, the companies are now advancing to the development phase, aiming to begin the construction of LCO2 carriers by 2027 and launch commercial operations by 2028.
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