- NCC secured AiP from ClassNK for its LCO₂-EP carrier, which transports liquefied CO₂ at ambient temperature, reducing energy costs.
- KNCC, NYK, and ENEOS Xplora developed a Floating Liquefied Storage Unit (FLSU) for offshore CO₂ liquefaction and storage.
- The FLSU minimizes onshore infrastructure needs and optimizes CO₂ transport efficiency.
- The project supports cost-effective CCUS solutions, advancing global carbon-neutral goals.
Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers AS (KNCC), a joint venture between NYK and Knutsen Group, has secured Approval in Principle (AiP) from ClassNK for its liquefied CO₂ carrier (LCO₂-EP carrier) design. The vessel utilizes the Elevated Pressure (EP) method, allowing liquefied CO₂ (LCO₂) to be stored and transported at ambient temperature, reducing the need for cryogenic cooling. ClassNK reviewed the design under its “Part N” Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships and confirmed compliance with safety and operational standards.
The LCO₂-EP carrier incorporates KNCC’s proprietary LCO₂-EP Cargo Tank technology, ensuring stable CO₂ transport. By eliminating the need for extreme cooling, this method enhances handling efficiency and reduces liquefaction energy consumption and costs.
Floating Liquefied Storage Unit (FLSU) Development
In collaboration with ENEOS Xplora Inc., KNCC and NYK have developed a Floating Liquefied Storage Unit (FLSU) integrating the LCO₂-EP Cargo Tank and the Isenthalpic Expansion Cooling & Liquefaction Process. This innovation allows CO₂ collected as gas at onshore facilities to be liquefied and temporarily stored offshore, preparing it for transport via LCO₂ carriers.
ClassNK granted AiP for the FLSU after evaluating its design based on “Part PS” of the Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships, as well as guidelines for floating LNG and LPG storage and regasification units. The EP method’s efficiency, combined with a more compact cooling process, enables a liquefaction plant to be installed on a floating platform, reducing the footprint and costs associated with onshore liquefaction and storage.
Advancing CCUS and Carbon Neutrality Goals
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is expected to play a key role in achieving carbon neutrality, though challenges remain in cost reduction and securing land for facilities. The introduction of the FLSU offers a cost-effective solution by minimizing land requirements and optimizing CO₂ liquefaction processes.
NYK, KNCC, ENEOS Xplora, and ClassNK will continue to advance CCUS technology by evaluating its economic and safety aspects, contributing to a sustainable carbon-neutral future.
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Source: ClassNK
