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Knutsen-NYK debuts LCO2 vessel design, says cargo tanks are feasible
KNCC is starting a study with NYK into a 40,000-m3 LCO2 tanker after completing a feasibility study into elevated-pressure cargo tanks for transporting liquefied CO2
A joint study into the construction of a 40,000-m3 liquefied CO2 (LCO2) vessel is underway, according to Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and its affiliate Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers (KNCC).
The companies say the design for the vessel utilises an elevated-pressure containment system that allows for the transport of LCO2 at ambient temperature. The design was mooted in mid-2023 when class society DNV approved KNCC’s approval for ship application for the elevated-pressure containment system.
The next study is to be undertaken by KNCC and NYK with Nihon Shipyard Co (NSY), a joint venture for ship design and sales involving Imabari Shipbuilding and Japan Marine United Corp.
"Design of the LCO2-EP cargo tanks features vertical cylinders that can be mass-produced through automated processes using standard materials. This may optimise and reduce the construction time. The modular design potentially allows more shipyards to participate, utilising existing facilities and infrastructure, which broadens industry engagement and enhances efficiency," KNCC chief executive Oliver Hagen-Smith said.
NSY director and head of design Tomoaki Takahira said the joint venture will continue to study the construction of LCO2-EP vessels to contribute to the establishment of the CCS value chain, in addition to medium-pressure and low-pressure vessels.
In terms of a supplier value chain, NYK and KNCC said they have completed a feasibility study with JFE Shoji Corp that has confirmed production facilities, production capacity, and the costs for steel materials used to manufacture LCO2-EP cargo tanks.
The companies said the tanks can be used both as cargo tanks on board an LCO2 vessel and as temporary onshore storage tanks, which are required for LCO2 transport, using the elevated pressure mode. KNCC said the companies involved also have established a potential supply chain for the supply of steel materials within Asia.
"Based on the memorandum of understanding on strategic partnership for CO2 capture and storage signed in March this year [2024], the three companies have been studying the establishment of a stable and large-volume supply network for the tanks. Joint development will continue for early... implementation of CCS projects," a statement from the companies said.
The elevated pressure system between ship and shore would see transferrable tanks made of carbon steel, produced using automatic welding machines at existing large-diameter steel pipe manufacturing facilities, making it possible to establish large-scale manufacturing and supply system with a short delivery time and low cost, according to KNCC.
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