- HD Hyundai Mipo gained regulatory approval to use tank lorries for charging liquefied CO₂ directly into vessels, improving cost and efficiency.
- The approval, effective November 5, removes the need for separate charging terminals and relocation for commissioning.
- The shipyard will use flexible hoses and a self-made portable manifold to charge four 22,000㎥ LCO₂ carriers under construction.
- DNV projects CO₂ transport demand to surge by 2050, positioning HD Hyundai Mipo to lead the mid-sized LCO₂ carrier market.
HD Hyundai Mipo is taking strategic steps to strengthen its competitiveness in the emerging liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO₂) carrier market. The company is utilizing Korea’s industrial convergence regulatory sandbox to advance new charging methods for these vessels, allowing more efficient ship commissioning and cost reduction. The initiative marks a significant regulatory and operational milestone for the shipbuilder, according to The Asia Business Daily.
Efficiency Through Regulatory Innovation
HD Hyundai Mipo announced that its proposal titled “Ship Liquefied Carbon Dioxide Charging Using Tank Lorries” has received approval from the Industrial Convergence Regulatory Special Case Committee under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The approval, which takes effect on November 5, permits the use of tank lorries to charge liquefied carbon dioxide directly into a vessel’s cargo holds — a process previously restricted under the High-Pressure Gas Safety Control Act. Traditionally, such operations required a dedicated charging terminal and the transfer of the vessel to a separate site for commissioning. The new exemption removes these extra steps, enabling faster and more cost-effective procedures while improving delivery reliability.
Growth in the Liquefied Carbon Dioxide Carrier Market
To support the commissioning of four 22,000㎥ LCO₂ carriers currently under construction, HD Hyundai Mipo plans to employ flexible hoses and a self-developed portable manifold capable of connecting multiple tank lorries simultaneously at the shipyard quay. This approach not only streamlines operations but also positions the company as a frontrunner in LCO₂ vessel technology. The outlook for this segment is positive — DNV projects global CO₂ capture volumes to rise from 210 million tons in 2030 to 1.3 billion tons by 2050, with a substantial portion expected to be transported by sea. A company spokesperson highlighted that liquefied carbon dioxide carriers are becoming a key growth engine in the mid-sized ship sector, emphasizing that this regulatory approval will further enhance HD Hyundai Mipo’s order competitiveness and market leadership.
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Source: The Asia Business Daily
