Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding have acquired an approval in principle (AiP) from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for their jointly developed liquefied CO2 (LCO2)/methanol carrier. The AiP for this type of carrier marks a world first.
An AiP indicates that a certification body has reviewed the basic design of the subject equipment and confirmed that it meets technical requirements and relevant safety standards. In this case, the inspection was conducted based on the IGC Code (International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk), IBC Code (International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk), and ClassNK Classification Rules applicable to ships transporting liquefied gases and dangerous chemicals in bulk.
Technologies for converting CO2 into fuel or chemical products are attracting attention as a means of utilising CO2 in carbon dioxide capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS). One such approach is the ongoing study toward realising a supply chain for producing synthetic methanol from captured CO2. Synthetic methanol is expected to serve as one of the marine fuels that will contribute to decarbonisation in the maritime shipping industry.
Also read: Value Maritime and MOL complete carbon capture first
Low-pressure CO2 carrier
The vessel for which Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and MOL acquired an AiP is based on a low-pressure LCO2 carrier. It aims to transport CO2, which serves as raw material, on outward voyages and synthetic methanol on return voyages. Use of dedicated vessels for CO2 or methanol results in empty-cargo operation on half of their trips. If dual transport of CO2 and methanol is achieved, empty-cargo trips can be eliminated, thereby improving overall transport efficiency.
MOL and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, will move forward with the development of the LCO2/methanol carrier, building on the findings and technical challenges identified during the concept study. The goal is to achieve commercialisation through collaboration with relevant companies in the supply chain and other partners.
Also read: VIDEO: MOL takes delivery of green steel MPV with VentoFoils
Building supply chains
The MOL Group is currently working to build supply chains for synthetic fuel/methanol and CO2 through initiatives such as its investment in HIF Global LLC, a US-based company that develops, produces and transports synthetic fuel/methanol across North and South America and Australia. The LCO2/methanol carrier is expected to enhance the overall economic viability of such supply chains and contribute significantly to their realisation.
In line with the “MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2”, MOL is targeting net-zero emissions groupwide by 2050. By further accelerating initiatives to transport CO2 as well as to develop and supply synthetic methanol, MOL aims to contribute to realisation of a low-carbon or decarbonized society.
Also read: MOL launches Japan’s first methanol-fuelled coastal tanker
Advancing Japanese shipbuilding
MHI Group is currently pursuing strategic measures to strengthen its business for the energy transition. In conjunction with this initiative, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding is making efforts to contribute to the advancement of the maritime industries in Japan and around the world by utilising its shipbuilding-based marine engineering technologies in addition to conventional shipbuilding.
The development of the LCO2/methanol carrier is one example of these efforts. Collaboration with MOL also demonstrates MHI Group’s commitment to partnerships. Moving forward, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will continue to build strategic global partnerships both to incorporate external expertise and actively advance the development of a CCUS value chain. Through these efforts, the company aims to provide its technologies, products and services to ever more customers.
Picture: Conceptual diagram of LCO2/methanol carrier operation.
