NYK and KNCC Conduct Joint Constructability Study of LCO2 Vessel together with NSY

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and its affiliate company, Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers AS (KNCC), are working together to study the design and construction of a special ship that can transport liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) from one terminal to another. This vessel will use KNCC’s special technology called LCO2-Elevated Pressure (LCO2-EP) Cargo Tanks. The study is being conducted along with Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. (NSY), which is a company that specializes in shipbuilding design.

What is CCS Technology? CCS stands for Carbon Capture and Storage, a method to reduce harmful carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. This technology works by capturing CO2 directly from sources like power plants and factories. The CO2 is then compressed, transported, and stored safely underground or under the sea in rock formations. The goal of CCS is to help create a carbon-neutral world by preventing harmful CO2 emissions from reaching the environment.

What Is the Goal of the Study? The main goal of this joint study is to help build a chain of processes (known as a “CCS value chain”) that can capture, transport, and store CO2 more efficiently. By developing a new way to transport CO2 safely by sea, this initiative hopes to lower greenhouse gas emissions and support global efforts to fight climate change.

Roles of the Companies Involved Each company involved in this project has a special role to play:

• NYK: NYK will oversee the overall direction of the project. They will also help evaluate how practical and effective the construction of these vessels will be.
• KNCC: KNCC will provide technical expertise. They will focus on the development of the LCO2-EP vessels and ensure that the designs meet safety regulations.
• NSY: NSY will study how these vessels can be built from a shipbuilding perspective. They will help with the design and construction process to make sure the ships are safe and efficient.

What Makes This Vessel Special? The new LCO2-EP vessels are designed to carry liquefied CO2 in special tanks that operate under higher pressure than traditional tanks. The design of these tanks is unique, as it uses vertical cylinders. These cylinders can be mass-produced using standard materials, which could make construction faster and cheaper. The modular design of the vessel may allow more shipyards to participate in building the vessels, using their existing tools and resources.

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Comments from the Companies Involved Here are some thoughts from the leaders of the companies involved in the study:

• Tsutomu Yokoyama, Executive Officer of NYK: “This study is a key step for us. It will allow us to provide CO2 marine transportation services using LCO2-EP vessels, in addition to the traditional MP and LP methods. We are focused on building a system that will help CCS projects around the world.“
• Oliver Hagen-Smith, CEO of KNCC: “We are excited about this joint study. The design of the LCO2-EP Cargo Tanks is innovative, using vertical cylinders that can be mass-produced. This could reduce the construction time and costs. The modular design may also allow more shipyards to take part in building these vessels, improving the overall efficiency of the industry.”
• Tomoaki Takahira, Director of NSY: “Although CCS technology is still developing, our joint study with NYK and KNCC is an important step. We are committed to bringing viable options to the market. We will continue to study and contribute to building LCO2-EP vessels to support the CCS value chain.”

Conclusion This study is a significant step toward making CO2 transport safer and more efficient. By using advanced technology and innovative vessel designs, the project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support a greener future. The collaboration between NYK, KNCC, and NSY highlights the importance of working together to develop sustainable solutions for climate change.