Japanese joint study to establish standard specifications for LCO2 carriers

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line), Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) have started a joint study with Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, Imabari Shipbuilding, Japan Marine United (JMU), and Nihon Shipyard to establish standard specifications and designs for vessels to be used for the transport of liquefied CO2 (LCO2), and to establish a construction supply chain.

The Japanese companies expect demand for LCO2 carriers to grow in various carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects that transport CO2 collected in Japan to storage sites by sea, it is necessary to build and supply LCO2 carriers stably within Japan to realise the CCS value chain and improve economic efficiency. 

This study will focus on LCO2 carriers and will aim to enable construction at other shipyards in Japan besides the four shipyards included in the collaboration.

And the partners plan to collaborate widely with industry stakeholders, including other shipyards, to develop low-emission ships using decarbonisation technologies such as ammonia fuel.