- ABS has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. for a pioneering articulated tug and barge (ATB) unit designed to carry liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO₂) in U.S. coastal waters.
- The barge concept is integral to the Tampa Regional Intermodal Carbon Hub (T-RICH), which will capture, store, and process CO₂ emissions from Florida industries before shipping them to sequestration sites.
- Featuring medium-pressure Type-C tanks with a 20,000-metric-ton capacity, the design meets the latest ABS standards and sets the stage for future green-fuel enhancements on the tug.
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has conferred an AiP to Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (OSG)—parent of Aptamus Carbon Solutions—for its preliminary design of a liquefied CO₂ barge. This milestone underscores ABS’s confidence in the safety and feasibility of the concept and marks a first in U.S. carbon-capture maritime infrastructure, according to Cision.
Role Within the T-RICH Initiative
At the heart of the Tampa Regional Intermodal Carbon Hub (T-RICH), the LCO₂ barge will play a critical role in accepting industrial emissions from across Florida. After collection and interim storage, emissions will be processed onshore and then dispatched via barge to nearby geological sequestration facilities.
First-of-Its-Kind Articulated Tug and Barge System
This novel ATB unit employs medium-pressure Type-C tanks, capable of hauling 20,000 metric tons of liquefied CO₂. Operating pressures were established through rigorous market and performance analyses, balancing maximum load, holding time, and proven safety margins.
Adherence to Rigorous Class Standards
ABS’s review process incorporated its most up-to-date requirements for gas tank barges, ensuring the design conforms to stringent safety, structural, and operational criteria. These checks reflect ABS’s five decades of leadership in gas-carrier classification.
Voices of Industry Leadership
Gareth Burton, ABS Senior Vice President of Global Engineering, highlighted the vital role of secure CO₂ transport within the carbon value chain and praised ABS’s expertise in supporting this landmark U.S. project.
Jeffrey Ross Williams, President of Aptamus, described the AiP as a historic milestone in advancing American marine carbon storage and aligning maritime technology with national emissions goals.
Looking Ahead: Sustainable Tug Propulsion
Kent Merrill, Aptamus Vice President of Marine Projects, noted that ATBs’ proven efficiency in petroleum transport translates seamlessly to LCO₂ service. Future design phases will explore green methanol and other clean fuels for the tug, further reducing the project’s environmental footprint.
Collaborative Engineering Excellence
Beyond ABS and Aptamus, partners such as Corban Energy Group and Herbert Engineering Corporation have contributed critical engineering expertise. Together, they are forging the first known LCO₂ vessel tailored for U.S. coastal operations, establishing a blueprint for sustainable carbon transport.
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Source: Cision
