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Shipyard gains AiP for offshore CO2 carrier
ClassNK has granted an approval in principle for a liquefied CO2 carrier linked to an offshore injection concept
Japanese shipyard Shinkurushima Sanoyas Shipbuilding (SSS) has obtained what it described as the world’s first approval in principle (AiP) from ClassNK for a “liquefied CO2 carrier intended to serve a socket spar unit for injection facility”.
The company said the design was developed as part of Japan’s Ministry of the Environment-backed environmentally friendly CCUS demonstration hub and supply chain development project.
The AiP relates to a liquefied CO2 carrier intended to serve a socket spar concept for offshore injection – the scope of the AiP covers only the CO2 carrier, not the wider offshore installation.
The concept involves a floating offshore structure installed at the storage site, with liquefied CO2 transferred from the carrier to the socket spar for injection into a reservoir below the seabed
SSS noted that large gangways are installed on the CO2 carrier so workers can board the socket spar during CO2 injection operations.
The project forms part of a demonstration project examining the social implementation of carbon dioxide capture, utilisation and storage, including the separation and capture of CO2 from thermal power plant exhaust gas and its storage underground.
SSS said it undertook research and development on marine CO2 transport under commission from Uyeno Transtech Ltd, which is a member of the demonstration project consortium.
CO2 test facilities were used to determine whether safety relief valves and piping could become clogged because CO2 tended to form dry ice under certain conditions.
The company said test data were analysed and reflected in the vessel design in consultation with ClassNK.
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