Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers AS, a subsidiary of Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha and Knutsen Group, has obtained Approval in Principle from ClassNK for the design of liquified CO2 carriers that use the elevated pressure method to store and transport liquefied carbon dioxide at ambient temperature.
ClassNK has carried out a design review of this ship in accordance with the Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships, 'Part N', and has issued an Approval in Principle after confirming that the ship meets the prescribed requirements.
Advancing carbon storage
The LCO2-EP carrier uses LCO2-EP Cargo Tank technology developed by KNCC to transport LCO2The LCO2-EP carrier uses LCO2-EP Cargo Tank technology developed by KNCC to transport LCO2 in a stable state. Since there is no need to cool LCO2 to cryogenic temperatures, it is easy to handle and potentially reduces energy and costs during liquefaction.
NYK, KNCC, and ENEOS Xplora Inc. have developed a Floating Liquefied Storage Unit that combines the LCO2-EP Cargo Tank technology with the Isenthalpic Expansion Cooling & Liquefaction Process. This Process has been researched and developed in collaboration among the three companies.
ClassNK has issued an AiP following a review based on the Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships, 'Part PS', 'Guidelines for the Design of Floating Liquefied Natural Gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Production, Storage, Offloading and Regasification Units', etc.
Innovative carbon solution
This FLSU is a pioneering concept that liquefies and temporarily stores CO2 that has been collected and transported as gas in an onshore facility making it ready for further transport by LCO2 carrier.
By utilising the features of the EP method, which has the potential to reduce the energy required for liquefaction, and adopting the Process, which is expected to be simpler and more compact than conventional cooling methods, it has become possible to install a liquefaction plant on a floating structure.
Scaling carbon solutions
Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage is one area that is expected to play a certain role in achieving a carbon-neutral society.
However, issues need to be addressed, such as reducing overall costs and securing land for liquefaction and storage facilities. By utilising this FLSU, the cost of CO2 liquefaction and the land area required onshore in the CCUS value chain can be reduced, expanding the possibilities for realising CCUS.
Towards a greener future
NYK, KNCC, ENEOS Xplora, and ClassNK will continue to contribute to realising a carbon-neutral society by examining various technologies and assessing their economic and safety aspects towards achieving a CCUS value chain.
