HD Hyundai Mipo, a subsidiary of HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding division, celebrated a significant milestone in the maritime industry by hosting a launching ceremony on April 16 for the world’s largest 22,000 cubic meter liquefied carbon dioxide carrier at its Ulsan headquarters. This event marks a pivotal step in the global effort to achieve carbon neutrality, as the vessel is the first of four ordered by HD Hyundai from Greece’s Capital Clean Energy Carrier.

The newly launched ship, measuring 159.9 meters in length, 27.4 meters in width, and 17.8 meters in height, is expected to be delivered by the end of the year after completing outfitting and trial runs. It is equipped with three ‘Bi-Lobe’ storage tanks capable of maintaining a low-temperature environment of around minus 55 degrees Celsius, allowing it to stably transport various liquefied gas cargoes, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ammonia (NH₃), in addition to liquefied carbon dioxide.

In a statement, HD Hyundai Mipo emphasized the significance of this development, saying, “We held a launching ceremony for the world’s largest 22,000 cubic meter (㎥) liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO₂) carrier at our Ulsan headquarters.” The vessel’s eco-friendly features, such as shore power supply systems and nitrogen oxide reduction devices, along with its ice-resistant design technology, underscore the company’s commitment to enhancing navigation safety and reducing environmental impact.

The launch of this vessel is set against the backdrop of increasing global efforts to combat climate change. According to Clarkson Research, a UK-based shipbuilding and shipping market analysis firm, more than 6 gigatons of carbon need to be captured and stored annually by 2050 to achieve carbon neutrality. Approximately 20% of this captured carbon must be transported by sea, necessitating around 2,500 liquefied carbon dioxide carriers.

The development of such advanced vessels is crucial in the context of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, which plays a vital role in mitigating climate change. As international agreements like the Paris Agreement push for reduced greenhouse gas emissions, the shipping industry is responding with innovations that align with these goals.

Source:Business Korea