Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers AS, an affiliate of NYK, received a General Approval for Ship Application from the Norwegian classification society DNV for its Liquefied CO2-Elevated Pressure containment system, which can transport liquefied carbon dioxide at ambient temperature. Receipt of GASA enables KNCC to fit the LCO2-EP systems on newly built vessels and retrofit the systems on existing vessels. LCO2-EP technology allows liquefied CO2 to be transported over ambient temperatures and under high pressure.
LCO2-EP technology enables liquefied CO2 to be injected into cylinder tanks on vessels and transported at ambient temperature in a stable condition. Since the liquefied CO2 does not need to be cooled to cryogenic temperatures, LCO2-EP technology can reduce energy and costs incurred throughout the CCUS value chain. This advancement also enables easier handling of liquefied CO2 until injection into the reservoir.
In April 2022, KNCC’s PCO2 tank system received the world’s first Approval in Principle (AiP) as a technology that can marine transport liquefied CO2 at ambient temperature. After that, KNCC changed the name of the PCO2 tank system to LCO2-EP and carried out detailed design and discussions with engineers, consultants, shipyards, and subcontractors to prepare extensive documentation, calculations, and drawings to prove the capability of the design to achieve the GASA.
In addition to LCO2-EP, KNCC is developing low-temperature and medium-temperature liquefied CO2 transport vessels to meet the needs of various projects. Through these initiatives, the NYK Group will participate in the CCUS value chain and contribute to the future realization of a carbon-neutral society.