ClassNK clears 42,000-cubic-metre CO₂ carrier design

The carrier was jointly developed by seven Japanese companies.

ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for the design concept of a 42,000-cubic-metre liquefied CO₂ carrier jointly developed by “K” LINE, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Nihon Shipyard (NSY), NYK Line, MILES, and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding.

The AiP comes as carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) projects expand worldwide, driving expected demand for liquefied CO₂ carriers to transport captured CO₂ from capture sites to storage locations.

According to ClassNK, the AiP supports efforts to standardise hull designs needed to develop enough liquefied CO₂ carriers to meet this anticipated demand.

ClassNK reviewed the design against Part N of its Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships, which incorporates the IGC Code governing the safety requirements for ships carrying liquefied gases, including liquefied CO₂ and LNG, in bulk.

The classification society also conducted a hazard identification (HAZID) risk assessment before issuing the AiP after confirming that the design met the prescribed requirements.

ClassNK said it will continue to support the development and social implementation of new technologies through safety assessments and related activities.