Mitsubishi shipbuilding and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines complete concept study for LCO2 Carrier

･ Utilizing Mitsubishi Shipbuilding’s advanced gas handling technologies with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines’ wealth of knowledge regarding ship operations.
･ Project to make a signification contribution to the establishment of a CO₂ ecosystem in the CO₂ marine transport sector, an area where demand is expected to increase in the future

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has recently completed a concept study with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. regarding liquefied CO₂ (LCO₂) carriers. This project will combine Mitsubishi Shipbuilding’s advanced gas handling technologies accumulated through the construction of liquified gas carriers (LPG and LNG carriers), with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines’ wealth of knowledge on operations for a wide range of vessels, to facilitate the development of technologies for marine transport of CO₂, a field where demand is projected to increase globally.

Carbon dioxide capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is attracting attention worldwide as an effective means to achieve a carbon neutral world. LCO₂ carriers will play a pivotal role in the value chain by transporting LCO₂ to storage sites and facilities for utilization, and demand for these vessels is expected to increase in the future.

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding is actively pursuing commercialization of LCO₂ carriers as part of MHI Group’s strategic initiative for the energy transition, bringing together technologies and knowledge gained from construction of liquified gas carriers in an effort, as a marine system integrator, to support decarbonization at sea. This cooperative project is expected to make a significant contribution to the establishment of a CO₂ ecosystem in the CO₂ transport sector, which will be an essential component of the CCUS value chain.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines entered the LCO₂ marine transport business in March 2021 by making an investment in Larvik Shipping AS, a Norwegian firm with more than 30 years of experience managing LCO₂ vessels for industries in Europe. This cooperative project combines the knowledge for safe ship operations accumulated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and the know-how and experience possessed by Larvik Shipping to explore the potential for realizing LCO₂ carriers that meet customer needs.

Going forward, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, through this cooperation with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, will continue its efforts to develop a wide range of technologies for LCO₂ carriers essential to establish a CCUS value chain, and contribute to the realization of a carbon neutral world.

Video of LCO₂ carrier